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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

My dog bit a cat 😪

982 replies

Bluetoybear · 08/07/2021 18:00

Please be kind as I am so stressed over this.. name changed for this SadI have a 7 year old dog which is only walked on a lead 3 times a day in local park and let out in my back garden throughout the day for a wee etc. My back garden has a 6 foot fence around it so my dog can't get out. Yesterday the neighbours cat jumped into my garden and my dog ran after it and bit it on its legSad. My neighbour has taken the poor cat to the vets and has had a big vets bill for it and neighbours husband has came round at tea time demanding I pay it all. He was very vocal about it and said if I don't pay it he will 'sue/take me to court/get in touch with authority's saying my dog is dangerous etc. I am so worried as the cat has awful injuries. I have offered to pay half out of goodwill but neighbours telling me I need to pay all of the bill which I can't afford.

OP posts:
CanICelebrate · 08/07/2021 19:10

Your neighbour sounds unhinged

So does the PP who suggested the dog could be PTS for this!

CuriousaboutSamphire · 08/07/2021 19:11

If he keeps banging call the police. Let them tell him he is deluded and harrassing.

He needs to claim on his own pet insurance.

It is not your problem.

Honeybeebloom · 08/07/2021 19:11

If it definitely was your dog who bit… well, I’m afraid I don’t really know where you stand. I am very surprised at others saying it is the cat’s fault (or the cat’s owners’ fault)… I don’t even like cats but how is one supposed to keep a cat out of another’s garden. Cats roam… (at least that’s what I thought).

What is even the point in commenting to say, "I don't know where you stand," when knowledgeable people like a dog warden who specialises in related law and a vet nurse have already commented and said she shouldn't pay anything and is not liable.

EKGEMS · 08/07/2021 19:11

@emilylily Her dog is never going to be considered a dangerous dog-he was in his own fenced yard and the cat was an intruder.

BananaHammock23 · 08/07/2021 19:11

The cat was in your bloody garden and is clearly uninsured. Not your problem. You walk your dog on a lead 3 times a day and let it out in your own garden - you're clearly a responsible dog owner, so I doubt the authorities would do anything.

For what it's worth OP, my dog would probably be the same! He hates cats and there's nothing I can do to fix it but keep him away from them. I won't be not letting him out in my own garden though.

Really feel for you, don't worry too much

Allthenumbers · 08/07/2021 19:12

Oh OP poor cat and poor you. I’m a cat lover and have a cat. If this had happened to my cat I’d be devastated but I don’t think I’d have had a go at you and demanded money. The cats owner should have pet insurance to cover the vets bill. It’s on them if they don’t. If their cat is an outdoor cat, then meeting dogs, cars etc - it’s a risk. My cat is an outdoor cat.

I think you should consult your vet re your dog’s behaviour and inform your neighbours you’re taking action to address the dog’s behaviour. I don’t think you should pay them money but it is generous and kind to do so and really just depends on you and your relationship with them. It’s the sort of thing I would do even though I’d know I wasn’t legally obliged.

Don’t rush into anything tonight. Just take a breath.

EvenRosesHaveThorns · 08/07/2021 19:12

The cat owner's insurance needs to pay. Don't let them take you for a mug, if you let your cat free roam this is no different to it being run over by a car or having a fight with another cat, it's pure natural instinct and not your legal responsibility

snowflake29f · 08/07/2021 19:12

Your neighbour is being a knob . You don’t have a dangerous dog if the cat was in its own garden and your dog was in there’s it would be a different story . A cat has the right to roam a dog does not . A dog must be in a secure location or on a lead a cat does not your neighbour need to read up on the law and calm down . If he knocks again you need to phone the police . You dog was doing what is natural to him and protecting his territory as his is right . The cat chose to go in your garden and it was unfortunate that the dog was out . Just relax it ain’t your fault it’s the neighbour for not having his cat insured.

Eyesofdisarray · 08/07/2021 19:12

FFS
Why are people telling OP to pay?? 🙄
The dog is unlikely to be euthanised

PotteryLady · 08/07/2021 19:13

Your dog is in your garden - my dog would see a cat as a toy - if it comes into my garden tough. Neighbour needs to get a life along with insurance for their cat 😡

Furiousfive · 08/07/2021 19:13

There's no way you owe them a penny! I feel angry that your neighbour is intimidating you. Your dog was in an enclosed garden so was under control.

Honeybeebloom · 08/07/2021 19:13

I would definitely pay as the alternative might be your dog being put to sleep if considered to be a dangerous dog.

Why even comment when you clearly don't have a clue about what constitutes a dangerous dog?! There is zero chance of her dog being PTS in this situation and it would not be considered a dangerous dog for biting a cat in its own garden.

acatcalledjohn · 08/07/2021 19:14

I love cats but your neighbour took a risk letting his cat roam. Your dog was in his own territory so neither your dog nor you are to blame.

As sorry as I feel for the cat, do not pay anything. He should claim on his insurance, you are not liable and he cannot claim on your insurance. If he keeps banging on your door then please ring the police.

ShitPoetryClub · 08/07/2021 19:14

@Hankunamatata

Those who are saying op should pay. What happened if cat run in front of a car and was injured. Would u expect the driver to pay?
This is interesting, I often see people on FB complaining that someone has ran over their cat/dog and not come forward to pay its vet fees. When in reality they have absolutely no reason to. In fact the dog owners could be prosecuted for having an out of control dog that could have caused a RTA. Unbelievable.
HaveringWavering · 08/07/2021 19:14

@GreyhoundG1rl

because if she does have 3rd party and the neighbour tries to sue the insurers would handle it all with shit hot lawyers. The OP wouldn't have to do a thing. She doesn't need a team of shit hot lawyers because she's not liable.
er, who do you think makes that point to the other side and argues it in court?
godmum56 · 08/07/2021 19:15

@Bluetoybear

What will happen if they report me and dog to authority's? Sad
its the other side of cat owners not having to control their cats like dog owners do. If the cat wanders and gets hurt or killed on someone else's property or on the main road then the cat owner has no rights or recourse in law.
Unsure33 · 08/07/2021 19:15

Firstly don’t answer the door and call the police because it sounds like he is harassing you .

Yes check your insurance but as the cat entered your private garden I think you have been very generous to offer half .

It’s not your fault if they have not insured their cat and you are not expected to keep your dog on a lead in a secure garden .

My dog is driven crazy by a cat that comes into our garden and taunts him. He did corner it once but then ran away as he was scared . It so easily could have gone the other way though .

CandidaAlbicans2 · 08/07/2021 19:15

How do you prevent a cat entering a garden? Asking for a friend

@sunshinesupermum, by getting cat proof fencing to keep your pet safely within your property. Yes, this stuff exists, so maybe your friend could Google it and get it installed if they're worried about their cat roaming and getting injured.

QueenAdreena · 08/07/2021 19:15

Your neighbour sounds like an absolute twat. Ignore and let your husband deal with him. If he keeps on knocking and making a scene, ring the police and report him for harassment.

Do not pay the bill for the cat. It’s a shame it got hurt, but if they give that much of a shit about it they should keep it in their own home/a catio to ensure it’s safety.

PraiseBee · 08/07/2021 19:15

It's not your fault! The cat came into your property. It's sad about the cat but don't feel that you're responsible.

Whatamesssss · 08/07/2021 19:15

@emilylily

I would definitely pay as the alternative might be your dog being put to sleep if considered to be a dangerous dog.
Why do clueless eejits come on here giving advice like it's gospel?

You and your dog are in NO WAY responsible for this. Your dog will not be put down, not should it be muzzled etc.

Don't phone your insurance, your premiums will go up. You don't need to pay anything.

I have cats and would devastated if this happened, but I accept it is a chance you take with free roaming cats. What I wouldn't do is expect anyone else to pay for any vet bills.

If they keep knocking, phone the police, it's harassment.

camouflagejacket · 08/07/2021 19:16

Neighbour is crazy. All the vets bills I have to pay for my cat are from being attached by other CATS, I don't go round their house to tell Mummy that her timid (her words) ginger cat has been a bully boy again.

I do think you should involve the police through if this guy is banging on your door and you're on your own. Seriously, I know he's upset, but he sounds a bit of a headcase. Ignore the PP telling you to be a big girl and sort it out yourself. DON'T answer the door.

PraiseBee · 08/07/2021 19:16

This is spot on

PraiseBee · 08/07/2021 19:17

Sorry, this is spot on

Heartofglass12345 · 08/07/2021 19:17

If I were you I would phone 101 and tell them what your neighbour is doing. He is completely out I order and I would be scared too.

I love cats and have 3 but I would never have blamed you for this. I do get annoyed when I see owners allowing their dogs to chase cats and not even say anything, usually laughing.

You have done nothing wrong here Thanks