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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Bitten by my neighbours dog.

39 replies

Amaya23 · 20/04/2025 19:10

Hi, so this is my first time posting but could really do with some advice. I was walking home yesterday late at night (about 11pm), I live on a small cul-de-sac and has just turned the corner when I saw my neighbour with his dog off the lead. I was walking along the pavement towards my house when the dog comes running up to me, growling. It then bit me hard on the shin.

I was very surprised and taken aback as I was really not expecting it. Realising what happened he called the dogs name, but it jumped up at me again, I was carrying a bag, so I used it to shield my legs. He then came over and grabbed the dog and walked away, saying nothing. I was very shocked and my leg was hurting so I just quickly walked home.

I was wearing jeans and the dog is small so the bite did not break my skin but the area is very bruised and swollen. Had I been wearing shorts or thinner trousers it would definitely have broken the skin.

I really don't know what to do about this. I've had issues with this neighbour in the past so really don't want to rock the boat but I'm concerned that next time it could be a child just walking along. Any advice is much appreciated. X

OP posts:
Spirallingdownwards · 20/04/2025 19:11

Report to the police

RhiWrites · 20/04/2025 19:13

Use the non emergency form to contact the police. Take a photo of the bite mark / damage to clothes.

ElfAndSafetyBored · 20/04/2025 19:14

That sounds really frightening. I would take a photo of your injuries, and as the bruises develop. If you feel able, go and show your neighbour. Or send him the photo if you have his number. I expect you could report to the police if you feel able.

Hoardasurass · 20/04/2025 19:15

Report him to the police the dog is dangerous and could do serious harm to a child

Tassys · 20/04/2025 19:18

100% report to the police and his lack of any action too.
He clearly doesn't give a damn.

MoominMai · 20/04/2025 19:30

Sorry this happened to you OP, must have been an horrible shock indeed. Agree with everyone please do report this. An irresponsible owner with an unprovoked off leash dog biting an adult? It’s literally the worst case scenario. Can you imagine if this happened to a small child?

noctilucentcloud · 20/04/2025 19:38

RhiWrites · 20/04/2025 19:13

Use the non emergency form to contact the police. Take a photo of the bite mark / damage to clothes.

I agree with this.

pikkumyy77 · 20/04/2025 19:50

Report!

NoBiscuitsLeftInMyTin · 20/04/2025 19:57

Does your neighbour definitely know exactly what has happened and not just assumed that the dog jumped onto your leg/s? Do you know this neighbour to talk to?

Energe · 20/04/2025 19:59

Phone the police and report it

user19888891 · 20/04/2025 20:00

Definitely contact police

Flamingoknees · 20/04/2025 20:02

Did he actually realise it bit you - did you tell him?

Nextdoor55 · 20/04/2025 20:10

I'd be having a conversation with said neighbour, go speak with him, take a friend. Say that the dog bit you. What do you want to happen OP?

Original poster
Amaya23 · 20/04/2025 20:18

I'm pretty sure he knew the dog bit me as he was only about 2 metres away from me, it was dark but there is street lighting. I would feel very uncomfortable going to talk to him as I've had previous altercations with him and his wife. I'm not sure what I want to happen, but I don't want the dog to bite me, my daughter or anyone else again.

OP posts:
Allseeingallknowing · 20/04/2025 20:30

OP - think you should have a tetanus injection, unless yours are up to date.

carly2803 · 20/04/2025 21:04

you report is asap, get photos and a medical professional report on it - gp/walk in etc

Original poster
Amaya23 · 20/04/2025 21:12

I have taken photos, some straight after it happened last night and today. It went purple instantly and is now quite swollen. Do you think it's worth seeing the doctor if there's no actual wound/ cut ?

OP posts:
WiddlinDiddlin · 20/04/2025 21:15

Take photos of any damage to clothing, any bruising/red marks etc.

If there is any broken skin, get a medical professional opinion - if there isn't any, you can't really do that.

Speak to the police - if you felt threatened and at risk of further injury, say so - make it clear that in your opinion the dog was dangerously out of control in a public place, and you were bitten, and feared further injury.

They should go and speak to the owner, likely a first time offence with no actual injury caused will result in a warning, but if there have been prior offences or if there are any other factors, then the owner may be given a dog control order, which can stipulate anything within reason, eg. dog to be muzzled in public and on a lead of no longer than x feet.

WiddlinDiddlin · 20/04/2025 21:16

If your GP do phone appointments wher eyou can send in a photo, do that, I don't think it warrants a visit given there isn't anything they can do about a bruise, but it would mean the injury is noted on your file.

Hoardasurass · 20/04/2025 21:54

@Amaya23 does your GP have prescribing nurses who could check the bites and give you any meds needed or send you through to the GP if necessary?

Londonrach1 · 20/04/2025 21:56

Dog needs reporting....next time could be a child....you have a responsibility to report this!!!

Kardamyli2 · 20/04/2025 22:20

Report to the police with the aim of having the dog removed and destroyed.

WiddlinDiddlin · 21/04/2025 04:02

Kardamyli2 · 20/04/2025 22:20

Report to the police with the aim of having the dog removed and destroyed.

Unless there have been previous complaints and/or significant injuries caused, this isn't what will happen.

To remove the dog, the police need to believe there is serious risk to the public (or that the dog is an illegal breed).

Otherwise its a court case to determine what happens next and that is most likely to be a control order stipulating what the owner has to do to keep their dog legally.

For a one off bite that left just bruising, unless the dog is an illegal breed, it is vanishingly unlikely the owner will even go to court over it.

The last court case I was involved in, the dog bit 3 people, one of whom was a police officer coming to talk to them about complaints regarding the dog! Court - fine and control order that required them to alter how they kept the dog at home, and specified length of lead in certain places, plus muzzled in public.

Rummly · 21/04/2025 04:12

WiddlinDiddlin · 21/04/2025 04:02

Unless there have been previous complaints and/or significant injuries caused, this isn't what will happen.

To remove the dog, the police need to believe there is serious risk to the public (or that the dog is an illegal breed).

Otherwise its a court case to determine what happens next and that is most likely to be a control order stipulating what the owner has to do to keep their dog legally.

For a one off bite that left just bruising, unless the dog is an illegal breed, it is vanishingly unlikely the owner will even go to court over it.

The last court case I was involved in, the dog bit 3 people, one of whom was a police officer coming to talk to them about complaints regarding the dog! Court - fine and control order that required them to alter how they kept the dog at home, and specified length of lead in certain places, plus muzzled in public.

Show quote history

That needs tightening up then. Anyone bitten by a dog should expect the police to be able to take it away there and then and for magistrates to order destruction ASAP.

It’s ridiculous that dangerous animals can be kept without immediate action and termination.

Tbrh · 21/04/2025 04:18

To avoid abuse from your neighbour, tell them you had to go to the Dr, who then reported it to the police to take any blame off you. What scum

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