It was late at night -- I wasn't home. A friend opened the front door, my dog (a German Shepherd) ran out and down the street and killed the cat in their front yard. The ladies came out and saw it. Am i trouble? How much should I expect to compensate them? Any other advice?
2006-07-30 08:02:33 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
I'm so sorry that that happened. It's always sad when your dog does something like that. My dog tried to eat my boyfriend's kitten when he brought it home for the first time. I felt horrible about it! Luckily, the kitten was OK but it could just have easily gone the other way.
Dogs have natural predatory instincts. The dog didn't see the cat as someone's loved pet; it saw it as prey. This doesn't mean that your dog is aggressive or will hurt your children; it just means that this dog shouldn't be around cats or other small animals. Some dogs have higher prey instincts than others, and German Shepherds generally have very high prey instincts. There's no reason to get rid of the dog; just make sure it doesn't get out again unleashed.
Are you good friends with the ladies? If you are, I recommend tons of apologies and monetary compensation around $100-200 dollars. Cats don't cost that much, but it wasn't just any cat, it was a family member. Offer to take care of any vet bills, cremation costs, etc. Assure them that this will never happen again, and tell them the steps you will take to ensure that.
If they are being difficult, it might be best to report it to animal control and let them take care of it. Most likely, you will be fined. Depending on the community you live in, the dog may be declared a dangerous animal and may have to be muzzled when in public, or it may be put down. It all depends on the local laws.
Hope this helps!
2006-07-31 13:14:47 · answer #1 · answered by rita_alabama 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Well, first of all... "the friend" is at fault. You don't go over to somenoes house, and accidentally let a 130 lb. run out when you open the door. HELLO.........talk about irresponsible, and why wasn't the owner of the house paying attention........ too drunk?? Its definitely NOT your fault, you would never be so careless, regardless, the damage has been done. I would advise the friend their carelessness has caused grief to your neighbor and never allow them in your house again.
As far as compensation, theres not a lot you can do at this point. But I hope your friends will learn from this lesson and my best advice is DONT let it happen again. I would make the owner of the house and the friend know how their drunken behavior is not excusable.
I highly doubt, the neighbor wants monatary compensation at this time. Being a dog owner, you know, $$ cannot replace a loved pet.
Why hasnt the friend taken action or responsibilty for this incident. IDOITS!
Its probably a good idea NOT to let the dog out AT ALL for a while, and certainly away from the vicinity. They might go psycho and try to harm your dog .
Look.........its the dogs natural instinct, and it was not an intentional malicious act......... Be sensitive to the loss of the neighbors pet, maybe write a letter expressing your empathy and perhaps ask if there is anything you can do to help them in this tragic loss. Giving money for disposal of the cat, would be a bit harsh and insenstive.
I'm not sure the legalities, you might want to do some research before you make any moves.
Good Luck!!!
2006-07-30 09:02:40 · answer #2 · answered by whuvahgut? 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I am really sorry about your cat, I have had a few outdoor cats killed by dogs so I know what it is like. You should call the police on the dogs not being tied up, they ARE and menace, an your dead cat is proof. For how your cat was killed, from my experience, the hair is the claws is a sign of struggle. So the dogs were probably fooling around with your cat, and your cat tried to scare them away. When they didn't leave, the cat probably started scratching them. That annoyed the dogs, and one picked up your cat and broke its spine. As the cat was dying, they probably trampled it and smashed it the cats chest. But your cat probably didn't feel much of the pain, it probably passed out as they were breaking its back. I hope that makes you feel better, and I am really sorry.
2016-03-27 07:22:07 · answer #3 · answered by Sandra 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh dear,sorry to hear that.I would go to see them,explain that you were not at home,and you are very sorry for what happened, and ask if there is anything you could do. At this stage, I, personally would not offer any money,it may be misconstrued by them,thinking you are trying to "buy them off". I would wait for a while. Should they mention that they will, in time, get another kitten/cat,them you may like to offer to get one. If they are paying for a burial for their cat,in a pet cemetery,perhaps you may offer to pay for that? It might be a good idea to talk to your vet about your dog,and ask his opinion as to what, if any, actions need to be taken regarding your dog, ( I don't feel there will be)as this appears to have been an unfortunate accident. I hope things go well for all concerned.
2006-07-30 08:37:11 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree with lightningviper. This was a member of their family. I wouldn't suggest getting them a new cat. It's kinda like if your grandma died and someone went out and bought you a new grandma. If that happened to my cat I would not want to see my neighbour at my door with a kitten.
I had a cat for over 10 years and it was maliciously hit by a truck. Although I know who did it, I could not prove it. I remember picking her out and bringing her home at 8 years old, and seeing her lying on the road in the condition she was left in was horrible. I loved her so much, and although I have a new cat now, I still miss her. I feel badly that your neighbours had to see their cat get killed.
Unfortunately, you'll probably have to put your dog down, which is sad, but who knows what could happen. You just never know if next time it'll turn out to be a small child. You should contact a lawyer as well because it's possible they could sue.
I wish you the best. This is a difficult situation for all of you. :'o(
2006-07-30 08:34:14 · answer #5 · answered by Mental Health Paige 3 · 1⤊ 4⤋
Go talk to them and expect hurt yelling... Ask if they want a new cat before buying one or it will seem like a bribe! Promise to keep your dog off their property also... You should be legally okay as it's technically illegal to leave pets out to run. (even cats) So, unfortunately if you leave your cat out you take the chance... The advice is just to avoid "bad" neighbors more than trouble by law... Best of luck!!!
2006-07-30 08:26:25 · answer #6 · answered by Grimm 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It might be a good idea to start with an apology and voluntarily fork over some cash, like I would think in the $100 range, they might want more, they might want less, they might not want anything at all. The friend who opened the door might consider contributing too.
2006-07-30 08:07:20 · answer #7 · answered by jxt299 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Thats too bad. I don't think your dog will ever stop doing that. I dont even know what you could offer the neighbors
2006-07-30 08:06:40 · answer #8 · answered by Valerena 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think, it wasn't your fault. ALL pets should be at home and not outside. If the cat was in the ladies house, like it was supposed to be, this shouldn't had happened. I think, your friend should pay or replace that stupid cat. As of your dog, he's not guilty. He was just acting on his nature. I like dogs... Dogs 1 - Cats 0
Good luck....
2006-07-30 08:10:30 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
Your dog is supposed to be under control at all times he is out of your house. Under control is 4-6' leash or fence that cannot be jumped. It is your fault (and your friends). Ask how you can make ammends. You cannot replace their cat, but maybe you can buy them a new one and the inital shots/ spaying/ declawing.
2006-07-30 11:44:22 · answer #10 · answered by victoria_warfel 2 · 1⤊ 4⤋