My Dog was attacked - How can I get the owner to front the bills?

[sugarcheeks]

My Dog was on the lead when a neighbours dog was at the front of his house with no lead and no collar! his dog immediately came over to my dog and attacked.. my dog has had treatment including 7 stitches all incurring a �100 vet bill (to date). I have posted this bill through my neighbours letterbox with a polite letter suggesting they should pay - I have not heard a thing back (they have not even the decency to ask how my dog is!). Any advise???

[woofgang]

Yup, hate to say this but report to police (or do you have a dog warde service) under the dangerous dogs act. You still may not get your money back but you will save someone else heartache

[sugarcheeks]

Hi have reported it to police but asked at this stage asked it not be actioned! I want it on record incase this dog strikes again...it could be worse next time or even a child! Someone says I can put a county court claim in to get my vet money back - I dont know if this works???

[Banali]

Try this web site for info. It's pretty straight forward.

www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/infoabout/claims/index.htm

You can even make the claim online.

[lankeela]

It does not come under the dangerous dogs act, it is the Dogs Act 1871. Look at the defra website under control of dogs.

Dogs Act 1871
Although over 100 years old now this Act is possibly the most effective piece of dog control
legislation available to enforcers. Civil proceedings are brought at a Magistrates� Court and this
can be done by the police, local authorities, or individual members of the public.
This legislation should always be taken into consideration when enforcers are investigating any
incidents relating to dogs or when concerns are raised over an allegation of irresponsible dog
ownership. Furthermore, it can be particularly effective when dealing with attacks on other
domestic pets or livestock.
Section 2
Section 2 requires that the owner is brought before a Magistrates� court on a complaint and if the
Magistrate is satisfied that the complaint is justified they can make any order they feel appropriate
to require the owner to ensure that the dog is kept under proper control or in extreme cases
destroyed. Importantly this is regardless of whether the dog is in a private or public place. Note
proceedings must be commenced by way of a complaint.

[showcatbenga]

Contact the council & see what they suggest. The Dog warden may be in a position to advise them.
You could try asking for their household insurance details because the damages caused by pets are covered under the public liability section.
The Citizens Advice Bureau may be able to help or can put you in touch with a mediation service, who can speak impartially to your neighbour.
Or try Dogs Trust or the RSPCA to see if they will intervene since the neighbour's dog is not being cared for properly if it is not being kept under proper control & is in danger of being put down due to it's owners negligence.
If they live in rented property a complaint in writing to their landlord will get their attention.
Finally you will have to action your Police complaint to get your neighbours attention on this matter.