Dogs Chasing Cats

[Boto]

My OH was accosted yesterday whilst walking our dogs by an irate man who said that our black Labrador had chased his cat and bitten it and broken its leg. Another black Labrador was also involved. He said that he intended to sue. The man then realised that our other dog is a chocolate lab so he was full of apologies. The area where this took place was on the periphery of a wooded hill. The man's garden backs onto the woods but he does not have a rear fence - it is open to the woods. Although our dogs were not involved - they are always on their leads until they are way past the house - I am curious about the legal position of this. A dog could not differentiate between woodland and a garden. Is there any law about a dog chasing a cat in these circumsatances? Sorry about the essay!

[Peter Pedant]

Once the mistake was identififed

why didnt you say something like: the little b+stards should have run faster !

Liability of animals - important act of around 1973 changed it all - I think I will leave it to someone who knows

[tonywiltshire]

I have owned dogs for many years and hope this will continue home would not be the same without a dog, cats have a charmed life compared to dogs despite the 1971 (a date PP knows perfectly well) Animals act and the Dangerous dogs act 1991, together with the 2006 Act. In a West Midlands County court Damages were awarded to an owner whose dog had been attacked by the dog next door. Do not believe the old saying that “every dog is allowed one bite” it dates from (Chief Justice Holt) 1699 and is not now true.
Section 2 of the 1971 act says that the keeper of a domestic animal can be automatically liable to pay compensation if their pet caused damage, make sure your dog is under control at all times.

[frugalfred]

To add to Tony's wise words, make sure you have third party insurance cover if you own a dog. Joining The Dogs Trust automatically gives the member cover.

[Jeza]

Several years ago I owned (Or they owned me) 3 Cats they were attacked by 4 dogs who the owners were taking rabbiting. None of them were on a lead. 2 of my cats were killed and the other one had to have his tail amputated. The surviving cat never got over what happened. I rang the police, the local council and the RSPCA. No one was interested. About 6 months later it happened again to another cat up the road. Still no interest from the authorities. ALL DOGS in the vicinity of houses should be on a leash. Apart from the loss of my beloved cats who were in my garden at the time it cost me several hundred pounds in vet fees.

[tonywiltshire]

I feel for you Jeza you are clearly a cat lover but I hope that does not make you dislike dogs. The attack which your animals suffered is unforgivable and may be the fault of the dog owners who appear totally irresponsible; you probably could have claimed damages from the dog owners unless they were men of straw and not worth the effort. Without doubt making a civil claim for damages is not for everyone but may have the effect of making the animal owners act in a more responsible fashion in the future, particularly if they do not have any insurance as suggested by ff.

[Boto]

Thank you all for your answers. I am so glad that my dogs were not involved as I love cats as well. I am a member of the Dog Trust.