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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
Ponderingwindow · 30/10/2023 13:39

If your dog attacked the cyclist, then the cyclist should not be out of pocket for damages.

I would treat this like a car accident. Can the bicycle be repaired or do the cost of the repairs outweigh the price of a new bicycle? He needs to get quotes and provide specific details about make and model of the bicycle.

wombat1a · 30/10/2023 13:40

Ask to see the quotes for the bike, even if the frame is cracked nearly all of the components should be able to be re-used on a new frame.

Original poster
Girlmom83 · 30/10/2023 13:40

The cyclist.. he texted me today

OP posts:
MargotBamborough · 30/10/2023 13:41

What did your dog actually do?

Just bark at the cyclist or something more?

This isn't a fine, a fine is something you are issued by a public or private authority for breaking rules, for example, a parking fine or a fine for not picking up your dog poo.

This sounds like an argument between two private individuals.

I would block this man's number. If you get a letter in the post threatening legal action against you and detailing what laws he thinks you have broken, see a solicitor. Otherwise, just ignore.

Why does he have your phone number anyway?

Original poster
Girlmom83 · 30/10/2023 13:42

It was the shock, his threats and her breed is regularly deemed as scary. I am not re homing her.

OP posts:
PictureOfFlorianTray · 30/10/2023 13:42

I would speak to the police and cease communicating with the cyclist until you know what your rights and liabilities are.

Original poster
Girlmom83 · 30/10/2023 13:43

She barked and went for the pedals. No bite or anything. I gave my number because it was the right thing to do and to check up on him

OP posts:
MargotBamborough · 30/10/2023 13:45

I wouldn't have given him my number.

I would probably reply something like, "I am sorry my dog frightened you. I gave you my number because I wanted to know you were OK but this is starting to feel like harassment now. Please do not contact me again."

And block his number.

CatamaranViper · 30/10/2023 13:46

What do you mean by "went for the peddles"?
Did she make contact with the bike? Did he have to swerve to avoid her? Was she in close proximity when he fell?

Original poster
Girlmom83 · 30/10/2023 13:46

The gate was open possibly by my partner who is claiming no responsibility, for about 5 minutes and she went for the cyclist. She went into his path, but not to bite him, but a scary experience for him

OP posts:
Original poster
Girlmom83 · 30/10/2023 13:46

Yes I do and did not think of insurance

OP posts:
Badlydrawnmum · 30/10/2023 13:47

You should pay every penny! Disgraceful that you think you can get away with not paying. If I were him I’d sue you for more.

your dog gets out and harassed him to the extent that he comes off his bike, damaging his bike and you are quibbling? Ask him for quotes by all means but you ought to be paying double for the stress you put him under and get your dog destroyed if it reacts like that in public.

itsmyp4rty · 30/10/2023 13:47

Ask him for receipt for antibiotics and proof that the bike cannot be repaired from a bike shop. If the bike can be repaired then tell him to get a quote and you will pay it. If the bike can't be repaired then you need to pay for an equivalent bike, not a brand new one.

You were completely in the wrong but he's trying it on.

MajorBarbara · 30/10/2023 13:48

CatamaranViper · 30/10/2023 13:46

What do you mean by "went for the peddles"?
Did she make contact with the bike? Did he have to swerve to avoid her? Was she in close proximity when he fell?

They are PEDALS. Sorry but that one always bugs me and it was right there in front of you.

MargotBamborough · 30/10/2023 13:48

Badlydrawnmum · 30/10/2023 13:47

You should pay every penny! Disgraceful that you think you can get away with not paying. If I were him I’d sue you for more.

your dog gets out and harassed him to the extent that he comes off his bike, damaging his bike and you are quibbling? Ask him for quotes by all means but you ought to be paying double for the stress you put him under and get your dog destroyed if it reacts like that in public.

That's not how any of this works.

MajorBarbara · 30/10/2023 13:49

Badlydrawnmum · 30/10/2023 13:47

You should pay every penny! Disgraceful that you think you can get away with not paying. If I were him I’d sue you for more.

your dog gets out and harassed him to the extent that he comes off his bike, damaging his bike and you are quibbling? Ask him for quotes by all means but you ought to be paying double for the stress you put him under and get your dog destroyed if it reacts like that in public.

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

Permanentlyunimpressed · 30/10/2023 13:49

This is exactly what pet insurance is for. Text him your insurers details, he can make a claim which they may or may not pay. Then block his number.

GunboatDiplomacy · 30/10/2023 13:49

Margot is right that this isn't a fine, it's a civil action between two private individuals.

I think she's wrong about ignoring it though. He was obviously bonkers in the heat of the moment going on about suing for millions (I blame Irish tort culture) but he shouldn't be out of pocket as the result of your negligence Claiming for the cost of minor personal injury and a damaged bike seems reasonable if he can show evidence/receipts.

Have you checked the small print on your house/pet insurance. Ideally they'll be able to deal with it for you, but I don't know what the norm is in Ireland.

Tiredjoanna · 30/10/2023 13:50

sleepyscientist · 30/10/2023 13:24

What did the dog do? If the dogs bark plus presence caused him to fall I would tell him where to go! Love how because it's a dog people think you should pay but if a child it's okay!

Yes but a child couldn't rip the blokes face off like a dangerous dog🙄

SoddingWeddings · 30/10/2023 13:51

Contact your pet insurance company. Let them deal with this man. Tell him you're passing his details on to them, give him their contact details and let them sort it out. Advise him to keep receipts and photos to support his claim, then have nothing more to do with him.

Unfortunately, you may find your insurance company also consider withdrawing the policy in the longer term or putting the cost through the roof.

It doesn't matter who left the gates open at this point, but maybe consider an alarm on the gate which sounds when it's open?

Badlydrawnmum · 30/10/2023 13:51

his bike could be his only means I’d getting around. It could be ages before the bike gets fixed. It sounds like a terrifying experience too. I think you are being really unreasonable querying it.

Queucumber · 30/10/2023 13:51

Shit happens. That’s why we have pet insurance. I hope yours covers this.

Nopenopenopenopenopenope · 30/10/2023 13:53

If you've got home insurance that will cover you. Dogs are considered property and so for the sake of insurance your "property" damaged someone else's. Contact your insurer to tell them what happened and then give the bloke your insurance details. He can make a claim with them.

novalia89 · 30/10/2023 13:54

PosterBoy · 30/10/2023 13:32

Just block his number

What a ridiculous thing to say! Would you say this if it caused a car crash? She could be taken to court, because anyone can take anyone to court for damages if they are liable and the court sees it fit to do so.

towriteyoumustlive · 30/10/2023 13:54

Girlmom83 · 30/10/2023 13:46

The gate was open possibly by my partner who is claiming no responsibility, for about 5 minutes and she went for the cyclist. She went into his path, but not to bite him, but a scary experience for him

OK, so the gate was left open and your dog ran in front of a cyclist and knocked the cyclist off.

If the bike has been damaged, then yes you need to pay.

But is the damage worth £1000? Unlikely!

Antibiotics? For falling off a bike? Did this happen weeks ago and the cuts from falling off got infected so needed antibiotics?

I'd text back and say you're happy to pay for any costs, but will need copies of all medical receipts and a receipt for the new bike as well as the receipt for the old bike. Give him your email address to send them to, or tell him to send copies in the post.

Legally they cannot claim betterment, so he will need to prove what the old bike is worth. The old "damaged" bike is also then yours to keep.

Do not even think about sending any money because this entire thing seems dodgy and someone trying to scam you somewhat.