Dog attack

[boogiedog]

You may also want to consider small claims court. I believe the limit is $7,000. It is a hassle, but one way to get it done and let her know you mean business.

 

[theFox]

Quote:
The last time I checked Massachusetts law the owner of the dog is in trouble. I'm afraid however that doesn't mean the the owner will ever get a clue, the only way I know for certain to handle a matter like this is to hit them with the police and every legal means possible. Oh, and if the dog comes back for a repeat it needs a dirt nap.

 

[hudsonhousechicks]

Chicknerd made some good points. Her attorney isn't a judge. S/he he has her client and mind and that client isn't you. I also think that it's a good idea to ask what your neighbor is doing to prevent this from happening again. You have received all sorts of good advice. I hope you follow up with us.

 

[jackiesmamachick]

Thx for all the support will keep you updated

 

[bakerjw]

Follow the advice from Callista. Check with the local farm coop or county extension or whoever deals with live stock in the area. Learn the laws and how they apply. If they are strongly in your favor print them out along with your invoice for damages and mail them to the person who owns the dogs to forward to her attorney. If the law is on your side then her "attorney" will most likely tell her to pay up to make the problem go away. No sense racking up legal fees for a clear cut lost case.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

The dog's owner is responsible for the vet bills. No ifs, ands or buts. She is also responsible for the loss of your laying hens. Listen to what the investigating officer said about the length of time you owned them and the food invested. It may not matter to you, but what the dog owner needs is a wake-up call, and it sounds like her wallet may be the only think that will get her attention. Since you do not want the dog put down, may I suggest that you demand that the dog be rehomed to a responsible owner who will ensure that it is properly restrained. Chances are that you will not get this---but it may be a bargaining chip, and it may show her how serious you are.

I honestly doubt that her attorney said what she alleges about not being responsible for vet bills or that the cost you asked for being too high. She was making excuses and trying to look/sound more righteous; and attempting to limit her liability, or at least convince you of it. Or if the lawyer did say it, he/she believed that your birds wandered into the dog's yard, not that the dog dug under a fence to get into the birds pen on THEIR owner's property.

 

[Miltonchix]

Quote:
Its called bluffing. They make a low ball offer and hope you accept. NOW counter with triple your original. Tell them YOUR attorney said to sue for pain and suffering, mental anguish, property damage, lost income, etc. OH, you don't have an attorney. I'll bet they don't either.

I don't understand WHY you will let a proven chicken killer wander in and kill your livestock. Shoot that dadgum thing and be done with it. Then charge them for the bullet to boot!

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
Its called bluffing. They make a low ball offer and hope you accept. NOW counter with triple your original. Tell them YOUR attorney said to sue for pain and suffering, mental anguish, property damage, lost income, etc. OH, you don't have an attorney. I'll bet they don't either.

Agree! Add in punitive damages as the dog was not properly restrained after the first or even 2nd attack.

 

[jackiesmamachick]

Thank=you it is nice to hear other people feel the same as I do. I am not a meanful person but I think the suggestion of rehoming the dog is great. As I said I went down to the court hose this morning cost me addional $40 which i have added to tab. I am not out to sus sue sue just the vet bills and cost of replacing my girls not that I can ever do that. I miss them as they were so friendly. Now I have the grim task of taking them out of my freezer (as I kept them for evidence not to eat coulden't do that) and taking pictures of them. She know I still have them I told her gather Attorney told her $100 for all 15 laying hens and duck and nothing for the $325 vet bills. She dosen't seem to care I am taking her to court. Called police station this morning asking for all 3 reports over the last couple of years first time grabbed my mini foal by the face and pulled him to the ground while my daughter was leading him. Second time infront og my 5 yr old grandson and my son killed his per rabbit, duck & rooster who was blind. He had nightmares for weeks now this. I am so done But again she just dosen't care

 

[Miltonchix]

Quote:
AGAIN, SHOOT THE DADGUM DOG AND BILL THEM FOR IT!! How many of YOUR animals (possibly grandkids too?) need to be killed first? I just don't get it, we're becoming a country of whimps too afraid to stand up and do whats right, OR just what HAS to be done, like it or not.