My dog killed my neighbors cat Sunday and I don't know what I should say.?

Question

I let my dog out for about ten min. and she went across the street and my neighbor of 15 yrs. had let her declawed cat that was very old out and my dog killed the cat. I don't know how to face my neighbor. We are both big animal lovers and I saw the cat as they picked it up to go to the vet. It was horrible. I breifly considered taking my dog to the humane soceity but I know they would put her to sleep. I am just sick over this and I don't know what to say to my neighbor. Please help me.

Answer 1

I know this sounds nuts but I would take some flowers over and just talk to them, the longer you dont say anything the more upset they are going to get Just put yourself in thier sistuation.. Just to have someone say thier sorry does wonders!

Answer 2

First thing you need to do is prevent the dog from being able to leave your yard. Put up a fence or get invisible fencing. If neither is an option, then you should find a different home for your dog. You must do what you need to keep the dog in your yard and never have the opportunity to escape. I'm sure if your neighbors see your dog running lose, it will be a slap in their face.
Next, buy a card expressing how sorry you are. Include a check for what you think they paid the vet. Include a note that if the bill was for more, let you know. Hand deliver it and say how sorry you are.
If your dog has bit before or killed an animal before, you need to have the dog put to sleep. If not, it's a lawsuit waiting to happen.

Answer 3

I am sorry to say it, but you both were at fault in this case, but probably you were more at fault than your neighbors being that your dog was not leashed, unattended, and went onto the neighbors property. Be sure to check with your local animal control before you speak to your neighbors, because in the city that I live in, if an animal kills another animal the animal that did the killing must be put to sleep. After finding out what your and their rights are I would offer to pay the vet bills and replace the cat and be as nice and sincere as possible.

Answer 4

You definitely have to talk to your neighbor and let them know what happened. At the very least you should help take care of the vet bill. If your dog hasn't displayed aggressive behavior, it's does not necessarily need to be euthanized. Dogs are by nature carnivores and will hunt smaller creatures. I grew up with a dog who killed three of my neighbors toy poodles (admittedly, they were wandering the neighborhood and she was chained in her area). She was a Malamute and they are known for being small animal aggressive. We spoke with our neighbors and got her a few new dogs. As a responsible dog owner, it is your job to understand the nature of dogs, and be mindful of that in their interactions with other animals, and people. It is never an easy thing, but sadly you took a risk by letting your dog out without a leash or control, and your neighbor did the same thing with her cat. I hope you can resolve this issue peacefully.

Answer 5

Never let your dog out without being on a leash and definately never without supervision. Tell your neighbor you are terribly sorry, and promise (and keep the promise) to never let your dog out of your sight, especially off-leash. Don't be mad at the dog, it was just following its instincts. It doesn't matter that the cat was old, or that it was declawed, if the cat was on its property, its your fault, not the cat's owners' fault, although I am very against keeping cats outdoors, and declawing cats (both very inhumane), the only thing I can say is be responsible for your dog and don't let it wander. The cat is dead, you can't do anything about it now, except for paying the vet bill and offering to buy a new cat.

Answer 6

You should go talk to them and apologize. It is one of those unfortunate things that happen with animals. You should pay for the vet bills including euthanasia and cremation. Take responsibility and you won't seem like an uncaring creep. Step up and do the right thing.

I had a dog when my children were young, a beautiful husky, which knew whenever a kid was going to open a door. She would run and kill something in a split. We had hoped to breed this dog until the extent of her prey drive became apparent. We had lots of apologies, guilt and struggles to keep her from killing again.

In the end we had to get her back to the breeder. We could not contain her with the children and their friends in and out. We lost around $1000.00 on that deal and it broke our hearts.

Just do the right thing by your neighbors and keep your dog where it can't get to other people's pets.

Answer 7

if you have a good relationship with them as neighbors, then you need to go over to see them and offer an apology for what happened to the cat. I would not offer to get them another one as it is too soon. If your dog does not have a history of doing this (killing or attacking other animals) then, chances are nothing will happen to the dog. Tell them it was an accident and you are truly sorry. Be honest and sincere with them. They are, understandably, suffering a loss and need your consolation.
I am so sorry for both your families.

Answer 8

I have a Jack Russell Terrier that went after my Friend/neighbors 3 year old declawed cat but they forgave me and I paid the vet bill and the cat is luckily still alive! But you shouldn't let your dog out front off a leash! If I were you I would just go over there and apologies your heart out! And offer to pay the vet bill!

Answer 9

Oh, this is tragic. Why wasn't your dog on a leash? And why have a declawed cat outdoors? The circumstances are bad all around, but I know what is done , is done. I'm really sorry about it. I think you need to talk with your neighbor for her point of view. Did she make you pay for the vet bills? You are legally obligated to....

Answer 10

Most states have leash laws. Be sure to keep your dog restrained all the time. She could of been hit crossing the street.

I wouldn't punish your dog - she was following her instincts. My dogs live with cats and would still go after another cat if they could. I also have a stupid cat that has attacked a lab and a boxer if they trespass in our yard.

Apologize to your neighbor and express sympathy for her loss. You should offer to pay for vet bills and promise them your dog will be restrained at all times.

Answer 11

Tell your neighbor that you are sorry that your irresponsibility was the direct cause of her cat's demise. Also let her know that you will NEVER again let a dog of yours be outside unleashed or unfenced...and keep your word. Tell her that you will pay for any vet bills and cremation/burial expenses. Offer to obtain another cat for her if she would feel empty without a cat in her life. If she is not ready for another cat at this point in time, make a sizable donation to a rescue or other animal charity of her choice in her name.