What would you do?

Question

Let's say you're sitting outside with your leashed dog when your neighbor comes outside with their two dogs. One of their dogs are leashed, the other is not. The unleashed dog runs up to your dog growling and their other dog manages to slip out of it's collar. Both dogs are now in your dog's face, growling and attempting to bite it. In the process of restraining your dog, you are knocked down and have several scrapes and bruises. Neither dog was injured. How would you handle this situation?

I told the owners of the other dogs that I understand that accidents happen and tried to be understanding but I'm scratched and bruised (and hurting!) What if one of these scratches were to become infected or I otherwise needed medical treatment due to an injury sustained during this incident? Am I underreacting to the situation?

What would YOU have done?

I don't think I'll need medical treatment for this but I'm just kind of thinking "What if?" I'm just so glad my daughter was napping when this happened. Had my daughter been injured, there'd be serious problems!

Answer 1

It was not an accident at all if one of their dogs was offlead, it is just irresponsibility. Tell your neighbors to manage their animals and keep them ONLEAD! How would you feel if they had killed your dog or seriously injured you? ALL dogs should be ONLEAD, ALWAYS!!!

Answer 2

This has happened to me. My neighbors dog ran into my leg and to this day -4 yrs later- that spot is tender. I did have to call an ambulance because he broke a blood vessel that swelled in seconds into a base ball on leg. What I did was... I calmly and politley told the neighbor what happened. They should be willing to pay for any costs for injury to you or your pet. If they are jerks then file a report with the police or humane society. If they are sorry, and try to make amends then allow it and let it go. You are right, accidents do happen and I think we as a society are too quick to ask for compensation over what we deserve. Your out of pocket expenses would safice and an heart felt apology. But we have our bodies for many many years, if you sue or make someone pay for every bump or ding, longlasting or not, then are you not part of the problem? You would then be causing a hardship on others as well. The bump I got was not detrimental to my well being or how I live my life, I just be careful that my leg doesn't get bumped cause it is tender. I think you did the right thing, but it really depends on the persons reaction to the event. Perhaps this person will learn and leash her dogs now. If it keeps happening report them. Of coarse this is all just for your instance. If there was a disfiguring face bite or something like that then yes, that is a diff story. Hope this helps...

Answer 3

I'm a little more laid back then most. I would let it go. I have insurance therefor a means to pay for my injuries. Although, it was not acceptable for you neighbor not to accept responsibility for any injuries you may have sustained. Did you tell them you were injured and worried about your scrapes and bruises?

Animals will be animals. Yes, it was irresponsible of the neighbor to have the dog off the leash out of it's own yard, but I doubt your neighbor intended for that to happen.

I'm sorry you got hurt and I hope you heal quickly!

Answer 4

If your worried about an infection flaring up because of your scratches, I would use Neosporin to prevent it, but then if it still gets infected and you are wondering if you should sue, there is a Statute of Limitations and you would need to contact an attorney to find out when it would expire for your particular case. I would definitely make sure I had a conversation with my neighbor telling him that he was lucky this time because the dogs didn't hurt/bite anyone that might of sued him and he needs to take precautions in the future to insure that it doesn't happen again, especially with a child!!

Answer 5

Depending on how the other person reacted I would call them in. It is against the law for someone to be outdoors with a dog like this and no leash.....
If the person was sorry etc. etc. this might be different. If it is real bad and you went into the doctors they would call the cops in for you, and go talk to the other person.....What that person did is against our laws here in Oregon....
I was attacked by a pit bull as I bent over to pick up something, took my ear almost clean off. When I was at the hospital getting it sown back on they called in the cops......

Answer 6

I would serve me neighbour with a warning. I would tell them that they need to control their dogs. I think that you have been very understanding but let them know that.
Do not over react though. If something happens that you need medical treatment you are more than likely going to have to go to court. All the power to you if you are hurt but if you are not it is a long hard process and these people will still be your neighbours.

Answer 7

It would depend on how much I liked my neighbor and how responsible they were with their dogs on other instances. If they were always careless with their dogs and this was one of several instances caused by carelessness then I might call the authorities to see what my options were.

But, if the neighbor was truly sorry and I believed that they would take precautions against this type of thing happening again then I would let it slide.

Answer 8

If I did not have a good relationship with my neighbor I would have picked up my garden hose, turned it on full blast and squirted him/her and those dogs until they went running back into their house! That's what I would have done.

Answer 9

i would ask your neighbour to let you no when there dogs are out so you can be ready for them but you can tell the council about it not being on a leash they can get find for that

Answer 10

Well you should tell the person to keep his/her dog on a leash!!!!! If you did need medical attenion then make them pay for it if they refuse SUE the *****s