Slim Posted November 18, 2010 Share Posted November 18, 2010 Ok here goes, My friend was out walking their dog (border collie) when a yappie type dog come running over and was running in between the legs of the collie the owners tried to call the dog but it ignored them in the end there was a little fight between the two both dogs where off the lead. The two owners of the yappie dog got very aggressive towards her and insisted she pay the vet bills. After some more doorstep aggression the police were called and the owner of the yappie dog was advised that he was not to approach her again and was advised that both dogs where off the lead so it is one of them things. The other owners have sent 3 letters insisting they pay the vet bills of £700 she is refusing due to the way they have treated her and the fact both dogs where off the lead. She has now received a small claims court letter we do plan to fight it, but has any body had any thing like this before. She would have paid if the people had not been so aggressive and threatened to kill her dog and children. The police asked if she wanted to have him arrested but she said no if they leave her alone. What is the rule if both dogs are loose? The collie is not aggressive and was walking with my dog at the time. I just put this down to one of them things? Anyone thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted November 18, 2010 Share Posted November 18, 2010 What injuries did the dog suffer to incur a bill of £700 I am not expert but I would have thought that in the eyes of the law both dogs were 'dangerously out of control'. As they were both of the lead it was down to luck which one if either got injured. It is annoying that the little yappy dogs cause the trouble and then the larger dog gets the flack when the turn to defend themselves. If your friend's dog is insured I would be tempted to contact the insurance company regarding settling the bill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted November 18, 2010 Share Posted November 18, 2010 She can submit a defence, and perhaps ask the police to confirm what was said at the time re the dogs being off the lead. It will cost the claimant a significant amount of money to bring this to court, with no guarantee of success, and no guarantee of getting costs awarded, so I doubt it will be worth his while. As he has been told not to contact her again, perhaps she should speak to the police anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 18, 2010 Share Posted November 18, 2010 I agree with both of the replies above. There was a similar situation recently in our local park, where a staffie attacked a much bigger dog. The owner of the dog that was attacked took it up with the council and dog warden, who pursued it on their behalf - the staffie now has to wear a muzzle when out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slim Posted November 18, 2010 Author Share Posted November 18, 2010 The claim is going to court, We will be claiming costs as I am under the impression that this is 50/50 blame and one dog come of worse! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lillybettybabs Posted November 18, 2010 Share Posted November 18, 2010 Is your friends dog insured? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C&T Posted November 18, 2010 Share Posted November 18, 2010 It is very easy to send a claim via the small claims court (used to have to do it a lot for work ). They might see it as an easy way of intimidating your friend, without planning to take it any further... Wouldn't rely on this - but worth considering? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraJ Posted November 18, 2010 Share Posted November 18, 2010 Put in a counter-claim for emotional distress! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickendoodle Posted November 19, 2010 Share Posted November 19, 2010 Even if you have no pet insurance your house insurance will automatically give you public liability cover for domestic pets. Would suggest that you contact them asap Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
