My parents dog chased a cat that was in their yard to the neighbors yard. The cat, broke its leg somehow in the chase. The hospital bill for the cat was $3000! Are my parents liable for the entire bill if at all? I think its utterly ridiculous that someone would spend that much money on a pet, but that may just be me. We live in Pennsylvania by the way.
2007-10-30 11:15:27 · 8 answers · asked by ejonsie23 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
I don't think your parents should have to pay anything. Dogs
chase Cats, accidents happen. Obviously the dog didn't catch the cat or it would be dead.
2007-10-30 11:22:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Liable would be something to ask a lawyer I think. That is a lot of money to put out there without counsel. If the dog chased the cat from one yard TO the next I would say the dog is safe. However, if the dog chased the cat from one yard THROUGH the next the cat wins. But, this would be morally liable not legally.
As far as spending that kind of money on a pet that is SO totally up to the person. There are people who love their pets as they do their children and would do pretty much anything to help the pet live a long and healthy life. Ever hear about chemotherapy for pets with cancer? How about kidney transplants? These procedures and many others are becoming more common than not. As long as there are devoted pet owners there will be priceless pets.
2007-10-30 18:30:49 · answer #2 · answered by chcatmom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you parents dog was not confined and left their property as part of the chase, they're liable. Once the dog leaves the property and is not properly confined, it's a violation of the leash law. This is in every state.
Cats are often subject to leash laws too, but if the dog did the damage and was off the property, the owner is liable.
And yes, it's just you. Lots people would pay that to save their pet. And a good neighbor takes responsibility for their pet's actions.
2007-10-30 18:27:08 · answer #3 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Did your parents take the cat to the vet? Or did the owners take the cat to the vet?
Whoever took the cat to the vet usually pays the bills. Usually the owners of the cat. Unless, the dog bit the cat or was directly responsible for the cat getting injured and the owners of the dog have made arrangements with the cat's owners to pay or help with the bills. Or if this went to small claims court and a judge ordered the dog's owners to pay.
Usually the vet hospital gets paid by whoever brought the cat in.
2007-10-30 18:28:23 · answer #4 · answered by redd_rvt 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Considering your dog injured another person's pet, yes you're legally responsible to help make restitution. Same as if your dog destroyed prize orchids being grown by the neighbor or if he chewed up the seat of their car. Damage was done.
Bills for surgery are high--you're out of touch if you think surgery on a broken leg will only be in the $100 - $500 range. It's expensive to have work done and the price is determined by the amount of care given, complications, medical materials used, the salary for the staff who assisted (there's normally 3 in the operating room), post op care, pre-op care, and follow up medications.
People can and do spend that on a pet--they're family members, even if you woulnd't spend that on your dog.
If the neighbor takes it to court, the judge likely will find in his favor and you'd be required to pay. Cases like these have been on enough court tv shows to let people know that yes, the person with the pet who did the damage would be responsible for paying.
2007-10-30 19:59:26 · answer #5 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No way, your parents shouldn't be liable to cough up half of the bill. The owner of the cat should keep their cat indoors if they don't want their cat chased by dogs. Your dog was only doing what was natural, and as well as protecting it's own property. Tell your neighbour, or whoever it is to go to hell, it's their responsibility and their fault.
2007-10-30 18:24:10 · answer #6 · answered by Animallover 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think it would depend on the laws in your area. Here in California there are leash laws for dogs. If a dog is off a leash here and does damage of any kind, I think the owners should be held responsible. However I also think the cats should be better looked after. Is your parents yard enclosed? If it's in their yard, and it was an enlosed yard, there shouldnt be the issue of a leash anyhow.
2007-10-30 18:24:56 · answer #7 · answered by Clovie 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, cats are excluded from a bill that would make them have to pay if it were another dog.
Cats are free roamers. They are not subject to the same laws as stray or wandering dogs.
It is aweful for the cat and it is a little upsetting that a vet charged that much.
2007-10-30 18:27:06 · answer #8 · answered by wildmedicsue 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋