The dog is in a fenced in yard, He is very friendly. We took the cat to the vet and it died while we were there. We talked to the wife and apologised but the husband was outraged. The wife said that they had a discussion on letting the cat out that morning or not and the husband said it was ok. We have been living here for ten years and this is a first. They want to get my dogs taken away from me, Can they do that? even if it happend in my yard? Please help me!!!
2007-11-03 16:15:09 · 22 answers · asked by babygirlsandra1984 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
no they cannot. if the cat came into -your- yard where your dog was, then it is not your fault. now, had your dog gotten loose and went to their yard, then yeah, i could understand their part.
they're being ignorant and there is nothing they can do. by chance do you have any witnesses to help support your side?
2007-11-03 16:19:53 · answer #1 · answered by Miss B 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
They have nothing to stand on in court. The husband gave the ok to let the cat out in the first place, and the cat came into your fenced in yard. You took the cat to the vet, so it's not like you left it to die. Aside from having you pay the vet bill, they can't do anything to you, including having your dogs taken away.
2007-11-03 16:37:17 · answer #2 · answered by hockey_gal9 *Biggest Stars fan!* 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I feel like your dog was in your yard, safely fenced. Although the death of any animal is sad, their cat was loose and should have been kept indoors. You cannot be responsible for that. Your dog is a domestic animal, but an animal no less. you did all you could, you even took the cat to the vet. But since it is your neighbor and you want to keep the peace. I would talk to them and try to be civil, express how bad you feel and that in any normal circumstance, your dog is not aggressive. They are upset and emotional, but legally I don't think they can take your dog away since it occurred on your property. It is not like your dog escaped your yard and did that so you were as responsible as you could have been.
2007-11-03 19:08:24 · answer #3 · answered by Rexydoberman 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to court. Bring photos of your yard showing that it is fenced. Tell the court what happened.
They are fault here for letting the cat roam.
Had your dog jumped the fence it and then attacked the cat it would be a little more iffy, the court would probably view both parties at fault since both animals would have been unrestrained.
Another good reason why cats should stay indoors.
2007-11-03 16:21:48 · answer #4 · answered by Bindi *dogtrainingbyjess.com* 7 · 7⤊ 0⤋
NO. If your yard is fenced and they were negligent enough to let the cat wonder into your yard then I would not worry about it. If and when they take you to court make sure to take very clear pictures of the fencing around your yard. Take pictures of where the cat was found. I would also take pictures of the dogs and a city statement stating that there has never been a problem with these particular dogs. GOOD LUCK.
2007-11-03 16:19:10 · answer #5 · answered by ~Sara~ 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
What a heartbreaking situation for all of you and that poor poor kitty!! It sounds like the anger from your neighbors is misdirected at you, when really they are greiving for the death of their pet and lashing out at the wrong people/dog. It is probably easier for them to be angry right now then admit they are at fault.
I very much doubt the court system and laws of your area would rule you or your dog at fault. Some people just don't understand that even the nicest most well trained dog can be a cat killer. A dog doesn't even have to be trying to hurt a fragile cat to wound it mortally. Outside cats face so many risks and have such a short lifespan because of all kinds of dangers. I LOVE cats as much as I love dogs and really wish all cat owners would stop letting their kitties roam.
If you had instead accidentally hit their cat with your CAR if it ran into the road, would they try to sue you for that too?
Don't worry too much about loosing your dogs if you can, I can't see how they could sue you or have your pets removed. If it was me I would TRY to understand that their actions towards you and your dog are based in irrational grief and try to FORGIVE them for it, they are only human and humans can make huge mistakes when they are hurting. But I can't see how they could have your dogs removed from you. They are to blame for their cat being in yard where it could be hurt, only they are to blame. They will hopefully move beyond the blame stage in grieving and on to acceptance of their own culpability for the cat's death.
Be well
2007-11-03 17:16:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
probably scare tatics but anybody can sue anybody for anything anytime - doesn't mean they're going to win.
first find out if there is an ordinance pertaining to loose cats. just because there may be a leash ordinance for dogs it does not automatically include cats ( or fish ).
I doubt there could be dangerous dog charges filed either as the dog was in his own yard.
you acted very responsibly in taking the cat to the vet & paying the bill. make sure you have a copy of that bill or some documentation that you were there
2007-11-03 16:31:55 · answer #7 · answered by sadiejane 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Its not possible to have your dog taken away because of the cat entering your yard and your dog attack it. Your yard it your property not theres. They should never let the cat out. They should known that you had a dog and they should know that dogs chase cats. Why would they let the cat out. You can probably face charges. But not have your dog taken away. Its your territory!!!!
2007-11-03 16:23:13 · answer #8 · answered by Mizz_Tran 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
They are responsible for their cat and allowing their cat to leave their house suggests that they choose to take a risk anyway of loosing their cat. Do people get sued for hitting a cat that is loose and tries to cross the road in front of their car?
I am sure you feel awful about the loss of their cat and it seems like you have done everything you can to help the cat. It sounds like the husband is more upset with himself for making the decision that morning to allow the cat out.
You could call an attorney and ask if there is a possibility of suit, but I don't think they have a leg to stand on....
2007-11-03 16:22:19 · answer #9 · answered by Dog Trainer 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
If a cat enters your yard and your dog attacked it, it is on them. They should of let their cat in their yard, and then the dog would not have done anything to their cat. Its their responsibility to make sure where the cat is, and to not let the cat go into other peoples yard.
2007-11-03 16:23:51 · answer #10 · answered by nkisela 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋