My neighbor is trying to sue us because out chow dog bit her inside our home. I held the dog back and she only suffered a superifical wound. No blood, she is now threating to put a lein on everything we own if we get the chow back after the 10 days observation at the animal shelter. The dog is always behind a fenced yard and for some reason has always hated this woman. She is black we are white, and she stated my dad has trained the dog to hate black people, which is not true.The chow dog had always had a hatred for black people, dont know why? I know this sounds crazy but it is true. Please advise me does she have a chance of winning if she sues us. We have offered to pay for her tetanus and doctor bill. But like I said the wound was minor. She has turned this into a racial thing, and we have always been friends since she moved in. My dad is prejudicious but me and my mom are not. We cant control my dad he wants the dog back but me and my mom do not. Does she have a good case?
2007-09-08 04:50:02 · 13 answers · asked by cwalthall100 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
wow. a racist canine. What is this world coming to?
Turn the tables on her and say "she's suing because she's prejudice against chinese dogs!"
That's kind of rediculous that she would sue you.
How does one train a dog to hate black people anyways?
dogs do tend to stereotype based on past experiences. for instance, If a tall, built man with a mohawk abused a dog, and then had it taken away from him, the dog would probably always be scared and maybe even bite tall built men with mohawks.
Maybe the dog had something happen in it's past regarding a black woman that hit him or something.
2007-09-08 05:40:55 · answer #1 · answered by joeb 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, from experience I know what you mean. My dog is the sweetest dog and has never bitten anyone; however, she does seem a little racist. I'm not racist in any way and I think it's just because my dog is not used to different cultures so she growls at them if they get too close.
Considering the lady was in your house, I don't think she can do all of that stuff or really sue considering you offered to pay for the shot and doctor's visits.
However, anyone can sue for anything so she might try, but just have your case ready.
Try and train your dog a little better and make sure you don't let the dog out front without a leash on.
2007-09-08 05:00:17 · answer #2 · answered by Madison 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
She can't sue you if there are no damages. If the bite caused no blood, there's no damage. You've offered to pay her tetanus and doctors bills. There's no other money she can get out of you since she didn't have to pay anything else.
However, you need to take your dog to a behaviorist, and a dog trainer at least. This bite might not have been serious, but in the future the dog might cause a worse injury, and you might be sued in the future. I don't know this woman, but she may even try to get bitten again, stick her hand in the fence or something. You need to make sure your dog doesn't bite her or anyone else again.
2007-09-08 05:05:15 · answer #3 · answered by Carrie O'Labrador 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is no way in HELL she could get everything you own for a superficial wound.. if the dog is quarenteened and passes a temperment test you should be fine.. she was on your property, but you should have restrained the dog if she was allowed in.. BUT, since you offered to pay for her medical expenses the most she could do is sue for emotional distress or.. something along that line.. and she may win, but she would not get everything.. (I doubt it would be any more than the medical bills)
When dealing with dogs.. the race card doesn't often work.. Dog's are dogs.. even with perfect training dogs can do unexpected things.. (such as the cases where POLICE dogs attack people for no reason).. and not EVERY thing that a dog responds to is because of the current owner.. on top of that, the fact that she was in your house at all, shows that she had no problem with you before.. I know that if I believed my neighbors were racist, and training their dog to attack black people.. and I were black.. I wouldn't go in the house.. especially with the dog loose.
But, get a lawyer..
2007-09-08 05:24:19 · answer #4 · answered by kaijawitch 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I feel for you and know what you mean about certain dogs not liking certain skin color, one of my dogs is the same way, the other two are fine with anyone. Unfortunately it doesn't matter that this woman was in your house although it does sound like she is taking this a little too far. I would also do all I could to not get the dog back, it has already shown agressive behavior and too my dog trainer has said that Chows typically are not trustworthy, they have a "birth defect", their brain continues to grow throughout their life while their skulls do not, this causes great pressure on their brains which causes them to go crazy eventually. You might want to check out the laws in your county and see what your rights are.
2007-09-08 06:06:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have homeowner's insurance, it would cover a lawsuit like this. The insurance company would make you "get rid of" the dog, however.
Anybody can sue anybody for anything. Whether or not they win, that's a different story. It costs money to file a lawsuit, I don't know much. Does she have expendable income?
The fact that she was in your home gives this an ironic twist. Did she see a doctor? If not she probably doesn't have much of a case, as there ould be no proof of injury and extent of injury.
Bottom line, set up a consultation with an attorney. They'll advise you as to what to do.
2007-09-08 04:59:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Search under 'dog law' online and find the relevant statutes in your state/county/city. You may get a one bite pass depending on the state.
Here is one site:
http://www.dogbitelaw.com/
If the dog is in observation, you should have a copy of the animal control paperwork to see what it said. You also need to know what the options are for the future of your dog.
You and your mother may be responsible but if your dad is not and you are worried about what may happen in the future, try and find a chow rescue that can find a responsible, knowledgeable new owner. Chows can be very difficult dogs and are not the dogs for the casual owner.
2007-09-08 05:27:05 · answer #7 · answered by APHID 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
no she doesn't. It sounds like both this woman and your dad are racist. If no skin was broke, she did not even need a shot. The dog should not have been put in a shelter.
The woman may be teasing the dog, when she is in the back.
All dogs can sense bad people, and she is one of them.
Make sure your signs are in place "Beware of Dog", which should warn people to stay away.
2007-09-08 05:05:01 · answer #8 · answered by spiritwalker 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well the best thing would have been to put the dog outdoors while she was in your home so the dog wasn't able to get near her enough to bite her. Maybe she is a racist and if that's the case you won't be able to stop her turning it into a racial issue, even though it isn't. I'd check my homeowners, but other than offer to pay for any medical expenses I don't know what to offer you. You knew ahead of time the dog didn't like her, the dog should have been put outdoors...it was your mistake.
2007-09-08 05:02:45 · answer #9 · answered by SageHallo 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
why was she in your house in the first place? This info is vital here! Was she invited in? You obviously are aware that your dog disliked this woman and black people in general according to what you wrote. Why didn't you put the dog away before inviting her in? Did she just walk into your house and get bit? Was she trespassing? Did she provoke the dog in anyway? Was she being a threat to you or your family BEFORE the dog attack? If you invited her into your house under the circumstances you described then you are liable and can and probably will get sued for neglecting to provide a safe haven for your invited guests.
2007-09-08 04:58:31 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋