What to do about it?????

Question

My family's JRT got into the nahbors yard last night and attacked there dog. We piad the vet bill and I went over today to see if the dog was ok. Well they said that the vet told them to call the pound on our dog and have him put to sleep. They said that they will think about it. Before this happend, about 5 months ago there dog got in our yard and they got in a fight. We did not make them pay the vet bill for our dog and well we obiously didn't put theres down.How do I convince them not to put ours down?

We do have a fence and it is a 6ft . fence!!! He digs!!!

We have tryed a ton of things already: Chiken wire, electric fence W/shock colour, tether, dog trollie. Any other idias?

Today we have been taking him for walks on a leash in the backyard so that is ok for today but we have to find another way!! I have stopped to talk to them and the try to say it is for the nahborhoods benifet to put him down!!! I am very sad and mad at them and well atached to him and mad at him and sorry for him!!!

The last time this happend our vet talked to us about putting their dog down but we didn't I think the vet realy did talk to them about it though. I think all vet do when it is an attack.

Answer 1

You've done the right thing so far. If your animal control agency investigates, they will take into consideration that both dogs have fought before and how you responded to it this time and last time. I'd also suggest you work with the neighbor to resolve how the two dogs are breaking through and getting into each other's yards and prevent any future problems, even if means a new fence or altering so they can't dig under (as JRTs will do) or building a separate secure run for your dog. Your dog may get a pass this time, but if there is another problem, you might lose him.

Just saw your additional details - I suspected you might have a digger as noted above. You alter the fence by digging down 6-12 inches and burying farm fence wire down to that depth. It prevents digging but I wonder if a determined JRT might defeat that. If it were me, I might actually build him his own separate dog run at the other end of the yard with a brick or concrete floor he can't dig through.

Answer 2

To tell you the truth I wouldn't worry about it until someone comes knocking on my door. If/when they do tell them of the incident 5 mons. ago. I don't think anything will be done for the first complaint, except you will probably get a warning. Do you have proof that you paid the vet bill? If so keep it, If not go to the vet's office and get the proof that YOU paid the bill!!! In the mean time try to find a way to prevent your dog from digging under the fence. You can get those wooden poles 4x4inx8feet and lay them down along the bottom of your fence, doing the whole perimeter. I had seen some where on TV this was done to prevent a dog from digging under. It does work. That way if the authorities come you can show them the bill you paid and show them you are attempting to prevent your dog from leaving the yard again!!! GOOD LUCK!! From here on I wouldn't even communicate with those neighbors again!!

Answer 3

If what you wrote is true, then I would take action now.

First, present them with the vet bill for the damages their dog did to your dog. In fact, I'd start doing it now!

If the laugh, scoff or mock, tell them you will take them to a small claims court - and then follow through with a summons and a court appearance. Also state that you are considering having their dog put down.

In other words, don't just "remind" them. That is the neighborly thing to do - but clearly your neighbors don't deserve such kindness as they have a very short memory. So take action and beat them at their own game.

Some legal action - or at least threats of it - may cool everyone off. Then, I would install a far better fence (whatever is legal in your area) that would make digging more difficult and decrease vision (that is, you can't see them, they can't see you). Until then, do not leave your JRT unsupervised in the yard. Leave him out for short periods to relieve himself and bring him in. For exercise, stay outside with him and play. You may also consider an "electric fence" so he stays in an even more restricted region (and further away from the neighbor's yard) or a tether.

Answer 4

Provoked or not you are to have your dog under you control at all time.
They can not have your dog put down just on there testimony. It does take some time for all the proper people to get in and evaluate the situation. Yes it goes through the court system.
Your dog could be deemed a vicious dog and then you will have to make every effort to contain him. If you do not comply with the order then your dog is taken away and destroyed.
The ball right now is in both your courts. Because the same happened when their dog got into your back yard. So perhaps a compromise is in order.
Good luck!

Answer 5

I think that you have to go through the legal system to get someone's dog put down. You might want to consider consulting a lawyer, just in case. Bring the vet records from your dog and a receipt for what you paid for their dog to be treated.

Also consider the source, obviously you didn't hear the vet say that your dog needed to be put to sleep. They could just be mouthing off. However, you need to figure out a way to keep their dog out of your yard, and your dog in your yard. If the fence isn't working, try something else.

Answer 6

I'm so sorry about what happened and since there dog did the same to yours it's really not right for them to put your dog down. On solution is to get an electric fence the one's that shock your dog. They work well. we got one for our dog because he got hit by a car and hasn't left the yard yet. If you get one tell your neighbors and he probably won't leave the yard again.

Answer 7

First off, their dog came into your dogs territory that's what caused the fight. Second when your dog went into their dogs yard it was his territory. This is dog behavior!
If they can't look past that then they shouldn't have a dog, because the key to having a dog as a pet is to understand their behavioral traits.
You should sit down with them about this situation, you should have someone who cares for dogs on a daily basis monitor your conversation, so they can point out what went wrong and why.
Your neighbors have a right to press charges, but then again they don't, because you can have their dog put to sleep as well, if you have the documentation still that says your dog was attacked.

Answer 8

I'm not sure of the laws of your country but surely only a judge or court order can have your dog destroyed not your neighbour. Besides, if what you say is true in that their dog first went into your yard, I'd explain to your neighbours that if they report you you'll just report them and put in a claim for compensation for the vets costs caused by their dog. It's hardly surprising your dog got in their first if their dog attacked yours previously.

Answer 9

If necessary I would remind them of this previous incident and that you have gone over and above what they did when the roles were reversed. Also I would put up a better fence maybe you can come to an agreement and split the cost of the fence between the two of you as it benefits both parties and promotes a safer environment for your pets.

Answer 10

Wow, a little jack russel did that much damage? Unfortunately when your dog is in their yard, you are liable. But I don't think your dog will be in danger of being put down unless he is determined to be very aggressive and has recieved several complaints or has injured a human. At most they would probably quarantine him and order you to patch your fence or keep him in doors.