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AIBU?

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Original poster

Dog causes over €1000 fine

280 replies

Girlmom83 · 30/10/2023 13:19

My scary breed dog breed is confined to our relatively large space with secure gates. One of gates was left open and in that instant was triggered by a passing cyclist. Absolutely, my dog, my problem. This experienced older cyclist got a severe fright, bike and himself crashed to ground. He has 2 significant scrapes and bike had damage (in my own shock I did not examine it) I was totally owning the situation completely apologetic and helped this man with disinfectant etc. He threatened me with millions very quickly and I'd lose my house hence my extra shock. He reported me and the dog to the guards. I've been looking at re homing her.
Today I received a text that he is well but to pay 1000 for a new bike and 100 for antibiotic etc. I've no problem paying what is due, 1000 is not millions, but to me I also cant even afford 1000, what checks should I make first and would I be unreasonable as it was my dog and my gate?

OP posts:
PinkSparklyPussyCat · 31/10/2023 07:47

Breadahead · 31/10/2023 07:41

No evidence other than the fact the OP was stood right there watching it?

Are you suggesting she lie and claim it didn't happen?!

Show quote history

Try reading the OP's post from 14.11 yesterday - I didn't see I was inside. I heard the yell

GunboatDiplomacy · 31/10/2023 08:45

Mydogmybestfriend · 31/10/2023 02:11

I mean nothing in writing
If there were no camera it didn't happen

So despite the fact that the OP is certain that her (partner's) negligence has led to an innocent member of the public suffering injury and (subject to receipts) significant financial loss she should try to wriggle out of it because the victim has an annoying personality?

Fortunately the OP seems to have basic morals and insurance so won't be following your advice.

fluffypotatoes · 31/10/2023 08:47

It's not a fine. It's him demanding money. Go to your insurance company

electriclight · 31/10/2023 08:58

In the UK, you are liable if your negligence allows your pet to cause an accident.

The fact that the gate was left open and a 'scary breed' dog with a known reactivity to bikes was able to escape does seem to meet the threshold for negligence.

I have no idea if his medical costs were €100 or whether his bike repairs/replacement cost €1000 but they are quite modest sums.

He is probably also, understandably, angry that this happened to him because of your negligence. You do know he was injured, and it is highly likely that his bike was damaged.

As many pp have said, home insurance usually covers this.

If it doesn't and you essentially refuse to pay, he will have to progress this legally himself. Whether he will bother to do so is his choice of course.

Nanaof1 · 31/10/2023 16:16

MajorBarbara · 30/10/2023 13:49

Lots of 'dogs can do no wrong' types on Mumsnet.

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And if it was a cat and even if the cat attacked and scratched him, many of MNers would be, "He should have avoided the cat". "The cat has the right to roam free." "Don't pay him a cent. It was just a cat."

Funny how that works.

GunboatDiplomacy · 31/10/2023 16:23

Nanaof1 · 31/10/2023 16:16

And if it was a cat and even if the cat attacked and scratched him, many of MNers would be, "He should have avoided the cat". "The cat has the right to roam free." "Don't pay him a cent. It was just a cat."

Funny how that works.

Show quote history

That's English law for you. Not relevant to the OP, I have no idea how it works in Ireland, but those are the rules we live by here.

Also, let's face it, how often does your hypothetical example of a cyclist riding along the road or even a walker minding their own business walking along a pavement being attacked out of the blue by a domestic cat happen? Can you give me one single example of that happening?

clarehhh · 31/10/2023 18:40

Do you belong to The dogs trust? £25 membership gives 2 million of cover. Sounds cheap for a good bike they are more like 4/6,000

Snowflakeslayer · 31/10/2023 18:43

Your dog has been responsible for damage and injury, so yes, you be are liable, but as others have said, use your insurance, which hopefully covers such things, if not, it would be you.

Messyhair321 · 31/10/2023 19:09

Girlmom83 · 30/10/2023 14:14

Thank you for this helpful and practical reply which also makes me feel somewhat justified in my questioning his money motives

If you have Pet insurance, tell him that & say you're going through insurance so he needs to keep all bills etc. & ask him to give these bills to you, after he's given you then estimates for the repair etc then have a conversation with the insurance. It might be that's he won't bother to go through the process. You can't play him upfront unless you know your insurance will cover it,

AllstarFacilier · 31/10/2023 19:18

I don’t see why he needs a new bike, surely the frame didn’t snap with a fall and I can’t imagine why it would need to be new and not repaired.

aswarmofmidges · 31/10/2023 19:20

the frame can be weakened and unsafe following a crash and the cost of components can sharp mount up

wetotter · 31/10/2023 19:23

AllstarFacilier · 31/10/2023 19:18

I don’t see why he needs a new bike, surely the frame didn’t snap with a fall and I can’t imagine why it would need to be new and not repaired.

That's what the insurance company will sort out.

It's really important that pet owners have at least third party insurance, even if they don't want to have health cover.

threatmatrix · 31/10/2023 19:54

If the dog didn’t bite him I’d tell him where to go. Do not just hand him over money. The bike could have been a cheap one, you need evidence.

GUARDIAN1 · 31/10/2023 20:06

Go through insurance (I hope you have pet insurance - anyone with any type of dog should have, although your premium will rocket if they class your dog as having attacked the cyclist). At least that way, your insurers will ask the cyclist for evidence of the costs incurred, probably ask for a report as to whether the bike can be repaired or needs replacing - and a proper estimate for repair or like for like replacement.

PinkSparklyPussyCat · 31/10/2023 20:10

Nanaof1 · 31/10/2023 16:16

And if it was a cat and even if the cat attacked and scratched him, many of MNers would be, "He should have avoided the cat". "The cat has the right to roam free." "Don't pay him a cent. It was just a cat."

Funny how that works.

Show quote history

There was a thread recently where a cat had scratched a postman. You'd think it was a sabre toothed tiger the way some posters carried on.

mathanxiety · 31/10/2023 20:24

@JanuaryBug has nailed it.

Mommamil · 31/10/2023 20:41

A text demand from him is not a fine. Report it to the Gardai and see what they think. Personally I think he is trying it on

pphammer · 31/10/2023 21:00

Don't do any checks before taking with a solicitor.

Can be seen as admission of guilt/responsibility nas then you'll may have to pay much much more

Weedoormatnomore · 31/10/2023 23:17

@Girlmom83 I used to own a Gsd who was reactive to bikes but after a lot of walks on lead with someone cycling along he got used to it. Had to start of slowly with them pushing the bike. Definitely go through the insurance and text them to ask for their details. saying your going through insurance if they are trying it on that might make them quickly change their mind!

surreygirl1987 · 01/11/2023 00:08

Good for the cyclist.

timesaretight · 01/11/2023 01:41

You've just lost any sympathy I had. Ensure your gate is closed in the future. Write up a contract and get him to sign, then cough up what you owe. What if that had been a small child on a bike.

ninjasnap · 01/11/2023 01:46

Why do you have an aggressive, reactive dog and then don't even keep the gates closed?! Jesus, the poor guy was probably terrified!!

Lolalady · 01/11/2023 09:33

You are liable that’s for sure for failing to keep your dog under control. However the cyclist cannot just pick sums out at random to demand as compensation. I would ask for written evidence of what the cost of repairing the bike is going to be or alternatively if it’s a write off. If the bike requires replacing then he needs again to provide information as to what the cost would be and this can be offset against how old the original bike was and it’s condition.
As far as his injuries are concerned again you need evidence. Did he have to have time off work thereby losing wages. Take public transport because he didn’t have his bike. Was any of his clothing damaged etc etc. The onus of proof is on him. If you have legal insurance cover seek their advice. If you do settle the matter with him then please get him to sign something that states he is accepting x amount in full and final settlement. Otherwise he could keep coming back for more

PumpkinsAndCoconuts · 01/11/2023 10:01

Girlmom83 · 30/10/2023 15:18

Not coy, just a lot of responses since I put the post up :) Shes a German Shepherd 2.5 yrs. She's small not an XL Bully as previously described, but nonetheless a scary breed for some. She is trained and easy going, but always is reactive to bikes and it is making me question keeping her with this road outside the house.

She is small...
Are you saying she is small for a German Shepherd?

Or are you saying that you consider German Shepherd to be small dogs?

You should definitely ask him to substantiate his damages. Be aware that they may end up being considerably more than €1000!

Seeing as €1000 is the price of what many would describe as a fairly basic starter bike (and not an expensive one). You also need to consider additional gear and especially the helmet, which can be several 100 € as well.

the €1000 seems to be about damages. That is not a fine, which is something you may want to consider as well...
I would definitely report this incident to the Gardai if I had been attacked by your dog.

Especially if you were being difficult and or uncooperative.

bellabasset · 01/11/2023 10:36

I'm pleased you have insurance so tell the man you are passing his details onto them to settle. I'm using my insurance to settle my claim against BT for slamming ie removing my services due to a person incorrectly using my address. This happened at a time when I had been in hospital and then living alone as an elderly woman. I get very stressed when dealing directly with them. So I'm leaving it to the insurance Co and Ombudsman to deal with. There's also the breaking of the dd code, only last week they sent a notification of an amount they were due to take from my bank ie the balance iof the contract that THEY cancelled.