dog fighting and the law ?

[bonny]

My ex's terrier was badly beaten up at the weekend by three dogs who were off leads and out of control. Does anyone know where he stands as regards who pays the vets bills and if it's worth reporting the incident to the police ? Do they ever get involved in a case of dogs going for other dogs ?
The owner of the dogs is 80 and says that they are just behaving like dogs and he apparantly writes books on dog training ! The dogs are usually off leads but even if they are on a lead he can't hold them - they have also been involved in other dog fights and are well known trouble makers locally.
On saturday they were out with the owners son who said his father would pay the vet bills but has not gone back on that promise after speaking to his dad . Any help on this would be appreciated ....

 

[woolly]

Was your ex's dog also off the lead? If so you might have a problem. Without witnesses or a stack of people willing to say that these dogs have been making a habit of it, or without any other reported incidences I doubt much can be done. I would report it to the local dog warden and see if there have been any other reports . I hope your ex's dog is better soon. Proving the facts will be the biggest obstacle.
I know it is desperately unfair, but he could say your dog provoked his and he did his best to control them but your ex's dog was a violent seething hound who tore at his dogs throat so they naturally, behaved like a pack and defended not only themselves, but a poor defenceless 80 year old owner who is frail and elderly, and his brave dogs saved him from your ex's killer!!!!
I know this is not what happened in the slightest but you have to cover all corners!
Best of luck.

 

[bonny]

Thanks for the reply Woolly and yes she was off the lead and I understand what you are saying . There was a witness to the attack who tried to get the dogs off and there are several people who have had problems with these dogs before. There were 3 large dogs who attacked a small very easy going terrier who i think would have been killed except that she managed to get under a caravan where they couldn't reach her. She has alot of stitches all over her body. There must be something that can be done to stop dogs, expecially when they are in a pack attacking other dogs ....

 

[Spudlet]

I would speak to the dog warden, even if they can't do anything this time it will make them aware that there is a problem and if the same thing happens enough times they will be able to see that a pattern is being repeated.

Hope your doglet is ok

 

[woolly]

Do try and get witness statements, it will all help...a terrifying experience for your ex. I really really hope you get a good result. I have been in your situation and its horrid. My dog was on a lead and attacked by 2 collies off the lead (owner didn't even have a lead) but because my dog was an Irish wolfhound and large, people will often point the finger!!! The very best wishes to you and I hope one day, if nothing is done, the owner gets his come uppance! Yes his dogs are behaving naturally, quite right, but they are certainly not trained then! He has contradicted himself! A trained dog does not behave like a wild dog!!!! My dog was trained but when engaged in killing a rabbit, behaving naturally, he was as wild as they come! and for that moment not trained!

 

[Oneofthepack]

Good god yes you can get something done! Get his sorry arse down the police station and get witness statements as this is how children get killed by dogs. One only has to make the wrong move and a pack like this would rip it to shreds.
It makes me shudder to think what they could do and even though the terrier was off lead you can't accept blame for 3 larger dogs attacking it.

And if he refuses to pay the vet bill then sue him

 

[CAYLA]

What a to$$er, I would have engaged in some human combat on his face

Definately take the vet bill offe up, even if it's jsut for a check up, hell, get a dental whilst u are there, and bill hsi ass

say she had a cut in her mouth.


But seriously, as suggested, report it, the more the incidents, the more chance of some action, make some false phone claims in a few weeks also, stating u ahve seen 3 dogs, this area, this description blahh blahh, with an ugly fella, and they where out of control, get my drift

, someone will have to give a warning at some stage.

 

[mtj]

Please report the incident to the police and your dog warden

my village has a similar problem. dogs are muzzled, but large and pinning down biches who are on and off their leads.

problem is that everyone is moaning but not reporting. both the dogs have records with either warden or police, but the 2 bodies do not communicate.

yes, the owner is liable for the vets bill

 

[bonny]

thanks for all the replies ...niceweatheronly - are you sure about the owner being responsible for the vets fees and if so and he refuses what can be done ?

 

[mtj]

the problem owner in our village has had to pay 2 sets of fees.

the first time she was taken to court, incident reported to dog warden, fees paid.

the second incident, the victim went to house with the vets bill and demanded that the fees be paid. they were. sadly the second incident was not reported to the dog warden or the police.

chances are your ex's dog is not the first victim.

i would start by reporting to both the police and the dog warden. our dog warden told me about the previous report she had. doubt if the police are allowed to do this. if the dogs have "form", the owner may pay up quite easily.

otherwise i would send a letter by registered post demanding the vets fees and threatening legal action if not paid within 28 days.
this will only cost you a few pounds. if this unsuccessful, i believe a solicitor's letter should be under £100.

my guess is that the old man's family will not want too much hassle and pay up.