can someone force you to put down your dog if its bit someone?

Question

if a jack russel unprokvoked bit ONE person can that person force you to have your dog put down?

Answer 1

I believe that the person can make a complaint through the courts and a magistrate can order the dog to be put down.

Answer 2

No they cannot force you to put your dog to sleep. Even if animal control got involved all you would get is a fine, and most likely have to keep your dog on a leash at all times. I really hope you do not buy a shock collar, as they are horrible things and should be banned. Has your dog ever did something like this before?. If not, has he been socialized with other dogs?. You sound like a responsible pet owner by saying you will pay for the vet bill. I sure as hell hope that these people take there dog to the vet, as it sounds like he was hurt pretty badly. If your dog has not been socialized to much, maybe try walking him where other dogs are, and letting him know what a good boy he is when he walks by without any lunging, or barking and just ignores them. I wish you the best of luck with your dog, as a dog is a member of the family and just need to be trained and loved.

Answer 3

If the one person who was bitten goes to the police and complains and the police determine that the bite was serious enough and that there was even a small possibility that the dog would do it again - the the answer is yes, the dog would be classed as a danger to people and there would probably be a judgement to verify that the dog would have to be put to sleep. If you are very lucky and it is not that serious and the wound is only superficial and the dog is seriously not harmful to others then you may just be ordered to have the dog wear a muzzle at all times when outside and when around other people. Hope this helps

Answer 4

If you live in the UK and the complaint is reported to the police it is possible that under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 your dog could be seized and put down.

Most cases that go to court are heard under the Dogs Act 1871 and each case is heard on merit. One outcome could be that the owner is ordered to ensure that the dog is kept under control but an order to have the dog put down could be made depending on the individual case.

You could not be forced to have your dog put down by a member of the public (presumably whoever had been bitten). Someone who has been bitten may well make this threat but generally if someone threatens 'to take you to court' they are usually more interested in some financial compensation.

The moral must be to ensure that your dog is under control at all times and not risk it's life by allowing even one bite. Easier said than done.

Answer 5

"Under the Dogs Act 1871, any person may make a complaint to a magistrates court that a dog is dangerous, or report the matter to the police. If the court is satisfied that a dog is dangerous and not kept under proper control, it may make an order for it to be controlled or destroyed."

I'd have thought for a small dog on it's first offence would have a chance of having a control order, but that would be for the courts to decide. In theory, you could be forced to have the dog destroyed.

Answer 6

Depends on how serious the bite was and sometimes they make you if there's been 3 bites from the same dog on people.

They could take you to court. If you agree to help with medical bills perhaps you could get a signed paper from them saying that and that there will be no need for anything further from you guys [ie:put down dog].

Answer 7

a dog dosent bite for no reason, that person who it bit cannot force it to be put down. the police or a court can impose a fine or list the dog on a dangerous dogs list. it is normally a last resort for it to be destroyed. unless the bite was serious.

Answer 8

No. They can report you to the police who can bring a court case against you and you will have to pay a fine, compensation and your dog goes on the dangerous dogs list and you will have to ensure that he never gets loose, or ever has the chance to bite someone again because if it DOES happen again, he will be taken from you and put down for sure.
It's up to you to ensure your dog stays safe.
My old border collie cross was savage to anyone expect me. I knew this and made 100% sure that he never ever was in a position that he was able to bite, not least because he was big enough to put someone in hospital, but also because I loved him with all my heart and it was my duty to protect him from his own actions.
In different countries there will be different laws. My reply was based on the fact that I live in England.

Answer 9

Been there, my dog bit someone a few months ago - first step i took was to take him to the vets to make sure there was nothing wrong (they may bite if in pain), the vet said he was fine but referred us to a dog behaviourist. He came out to assess jake and said he believed he wasnt dangerous but needed more training which we are now doing. If the person decides to involve the police your dog can be put down, i suggest you make contact with the person if you can and tell them u are doing all you can to prevent it happening again. If u do them, try to get them to get a tetanus jab

Good luck xxx

Answer 10

Onlt the courts of justice can order the putting down of your dog, But if its a child it has bitten common decency would expect you to do so, its usually not the dogs fault usually bad training of the dog from being a pup