So while on a walk w/my dogs on saturday afternoon, a dog jumps a fence to greet us in the street. It took all of two seconds for said dog to attack my female (Maddie) violently. My male dog (Hunter) is then p*ssed trying to protect me and my other dog by barking, jumping, clawing etc... I let go of one leash to try to separate the two fighting dogs which led to me kicking the shiz out of mean attacking dog because he started clawing and snaping at me as I tried to get in there. Hunter chased mean dog back into his yard. While all of this is happening, I was screaming like I was being murdered and NO ONE even came out of their house to see what was going on. Not even the owners.
After the "attack", I proceed to keep walking home because Maddie had blood running down her neck. I needed to get back to the house (3 blocks away) to make sure she was okay. Luckily the bites just broke the skin so it looked way worse than it really was, and yes I took pictures. By the next day they were already healing and she is fully vaccinated so the vet said no worries.
So what do I do now?? Write them a letter stating that said dog jumps their fence and attacks other dogs and include the pictures that I took?? Go overthere (with DH) and explain the situation? My fear is that this will continue to happen as it is a frequently traveled street for walkers, runners, KIDS, and people with pets. I can easily avoid the house while walking, but others may not know better.
Re: WWYD - Pet related (long)
Can't you call the city (police? animal control?) and at least report the incident so that they have a record of it?
Other than that, I might or might not go over there to speak to the neighbors. Do you know them at all? You never know who is a crazyperson so I'm not sure if I would or not...
If you know the exact house that the dog came from I would contact your cities animal control officer and tell him what happened and that you have pictures.
He will more than likely go over there and confront the owners for you.
Wow! I would have knocked on their door that day!! As soon as I checked on my pup I would have been back over there talking to the owners. That could have ended much worse, and they need to be fully aware of what their dog did! OMG!!
I would file a report for sure. That is scary! I walk Biff all of the time, and I would just loose it if harm was brough on to him like that. The owners should aware!
They are not my neighbors. The house is also kindo of shady looking so that is the main reason why I didn't knock the first time. Also I was alone, DH was not with me. I had a bleeding dog and was bleeding myself. Wasn't going to happen.
I didn't call the police department, I probably should have or could have. But didn't.
Steph and Jeff's Shutterfly Website
~ Stephanie & Jeffrey ~ 9.15.2007
This too!
What kind of dog was it?
Yeah, I will have to contact the Oakland County Sherriff's office as AC is run by them. They were closed this weekend anyway. I can try to contact them today. There were multiple dogs in the yard and it was only a 3 ft fence. Any med size dog could scale that no problem.
Steph and Jeff's Shutterfly Website
~ Stephanie & Jeffrey ~ 9.15.2007
It was a mutt for sure, but had some shepard markings and also had a black tounge which could mean chow mix. It was med sized so about 50-60lbs. Same size as my dogs.
Steph and Jeff's Shutterfly Website
~ Stephanie & Jeffrey ~ 9.15.2007
You need to call the police and file a report today.
Did you get bit? If so, you need to go to the dr. and get checked out. They also need to screen that dog for rabies, etc.
Save all receipts and photos, you can sue for damages if they refuse to pay. This happened to a friend of mine, guy said he'd pay for vet bills, etc., then didn't so they sued and won.
All of this. File a report immediately. I would not deal with the people at the house directly, let any communication go through Animal Control.
Poor puppy...I hope your dog heals quickly.
That is so scary! I am so glad you and both your dogs are ok! I would definitely contact AC, especially if the house looks shady and you feel uncomfortable going there on your own. I know I don't even like letting my dog bark at other dogs that walk by. He has gotten out twice since we moved in our new house and I was outside within a minute of him getting out. The person was not screaming or anything, I can't imagine NOT hearing a screaming person. That's crazy!!!
No I did not get bit. Luckily.
I just called the AC and filed a report. They are going to look into the home because I saw multiple dogs there. They want to make sure all of them are lisenced and well taken care of. Since I was not bitten, they said they can not remove the dog unless something happens to my dog. The other dog had a collar with tags, but I was too busy kicking the crap out of it to check them.
Steph and Jeff's Shutterfly Website
~ Stephanie & Jeffrey ~ 9.15.2007
I have been on both sides of this situation. Where I used to live, a dog would kind of roam the streets and it would make me nervous while I was walking my dog because I never knew if he was locked up or just out wandering. It did end up attacking my dog and I also screamed like I was being murdered. I found out where the dog lived, but never said anything mostly because I just tried to stay away from where that house was. But looking back, I wish I did say something.
My dog recently got the cops called on him because someone in our neighborhood was walking their dog and Rocky went out and started barking and may have jumped on the dog. I don't know, I wasn't there. DH heard the guy yelling and then Rocky came back to the door as if nothing happened. Not even an hour later, the cops showed up and said that there is a leash law in White Lake and we need to keep him on one. I think dog owners need to know if their dogs are misbehaving and attacking others. I'm a little peeved that the guy thought it was necessary to call the cops, but whatever. I can't blame him.
So, to answer your question, I would go with your DH to talk to the owners. If the house is shady, its doubtful that they will keep their dog from doing it again, but at least they are made aware and they can maybe fix things. If the dog does it again, I would call the cops and explain to them you already spoke to the owners about a previous incident.
I really didn't want to get the cops involved either, because I am the type of person that would prefer someone to come and tell me when they have a problem. However, I agree w/pps here that this is a matter of safety on both sides (for that dog and myself). I already called the AC and they are sending an officer over there today to speak to the owners to check the licensing, vaccinations, and overall well-being of all the dogs on that particular property. Waterford also has leash laws and the deputy is supposed to go over that. They will get a fine if the dogs are not licensed or vaccinated. AC said there isn't much more they can do unless there are multiple violations.
Steph and Jeff's Shutterfly Website
~ Stephanie & Jeffrey ~ 9.15.2007
That seems like the best route to go. I didn't even think of AC. Hopefully the owners respond well and do something to fix the problem!