my cat got almost killed now dog owner wanna sue me?

Question

if ur neigbor dog runs through ur gate, and into ur home, and grab ur cat, and drag her out into public street, tearin her apart can i shoot that dog to get him off my cat? becus i shot the dog and he died and i was told that was too much excessive force and may have to pay, my neigbor now tryin to sue me for death of her dog as she said that my cat did not die from her dog;s attack even though my cat is now blind in one eye and was actually torn open and was sewn up and had a paw chewed completely off and i am responsible in some way that her pet was shot?? plz help?? need some opinions

this was a pit bull dog, that also have dug holes underneath my gate, that have damaged other neigbors property, i got lots feedback from neigbors already about this, and most said that it was right to maybe do that but the misstake i made was shooting him out on public city property their sayin it would have been just fine to shoot him inside my property, but by shooting him in the public street it's gonna be hard to justify..... is this true??

the dog was literally eating my cat and he ate my cat paw completely off, he was eatin my cat alive....

i thank all responses about my problem with the dog but have now resolve the issues i went to court today, and won i stay in the state of san francsico pit bulls are prohibted here its the law u cant have one.. so i won thanks goodness!! my lawyer did good job..

Answer 1

Depending on the circumstances, you can always counter sue for 10x their amount.
You defended a family member form a deadly attack. The dogs owner should pay for the damage to your cat, and I would also charge for the ammo used.
I think the law is totally on your site. The neighbor should be happy SHE didn't get shot too...
You and I should go shooting some time? ;-)

Answer 2

Read the dangerous dog laws for your state. According to most states, you can NOT even shoot the animal if it is attacking your child OR another human . Yes, she can very well sue you, how ever I would file a suit as well for the vet bills for your cat & the pain and suffering that cat will endure being crippled . Does the dog have a license from your local county or state ? Does it have any verifiable rabies shots ? What type of dog is it ? Ohio has a ban against the entire pit bull breed, because they are known to be violent animals. Some states DO have laws regarding the type of dog and how it is controlled by its owner.

Answer 3

There are many legal experts there who may be able to assist you with your question if you would be willing to post this question the the Yahoo answers Politics & Government: Law & Ethics section. You will need to indicate which city/state/province you reside because the each city/state laws vary accordingly. Some cities/states consider certain breeds of dogs naturally dangerous (which really has to do with the owner not the breed)....also when a dog is not leashed nor have been licensed and vaccinated against rabies this goes against the owner as well. You have credible options that only a legal expert can advise you properly rather than from any of us within this group even though we all mean well.

Answer 4

While you are responsible for killing the dog, it DID come into your yard and home, which is your neighbors fault and responsibility. It is your legal right to deal with any animal on your property, they obviously did not have it on a leash, which is manditory.
If they do try to sue , you can counter sue.
It was their own neglectfulness, which caused this, and they should pay your vet fees.
Also, once an animal has bitten or tasted blood, it legally has to be put down anyways.
Plus what if it would have been a child, instead of a cat?
good luck

Answer 5

Because the dog came onto your property and grabbed your cat I do not think your are responsible. Whether it was excessive force is for the court to decide. Save your vet bills and have your vet write up the intial vet visit after the attack. Also if there are any neighbors that saw what happened ask them to write down and sign and date what happened (an affidavit). The neighbor would likely have to take you to small claims court and in my opinion they would lose. You will know if suit has been filed because you will get a certified letter in the mail.

Answer 6

You probably should not have shot the dog to begin with. I understand why you did it and probably would have done the same if I were you. If she takes you to court then just present your side of the story. Make sure you bring all your vet bills as proof of what happened to your cat (and maybe a picture). The judge may see justifiable cause and dismiss the case. Good luck.

Answer 7

Consult a lawyer! Personally, if the dog came onto my property and dragged my cat out into the street - I would do the same thing. However, talk to a lawyer before you do or say anything about it.

Answer 8

Go to your neighbour and tell him "Sew me for as much money as you can because when I counter see you Im getting ten times that money". And if he gets too scared and backs off , you go ahead and sue him. If I was you not only do I shoot the dog I'd go and shoot the neighbour. Think about it , would you rather live with no paw and one eye or just die?

Answer 9

I would file a report with your local police and get a consultation with a lawyer. I can't imagine in any world that if your neighbor's dog intruded on your home and acted violently in anyway that you would be found at fault by any judge or jury. Don't give up.

Answer 10

you need legal representation. this is not a clear cut case. yes shooting your neighbor's dog is excessive force, but that does not mean it was unwarrented. If the dog was physically too big for you to stop yourself, then other means to defend your cat could be necessary. legal representation will help you define your case. I would say that you have equal right to sue the dog owner for the injuries to your cat.