to ask dog owner to pay towards vet bills

[Debs75]

On Saturday my dog got bitten by another dog, they were both on leads and have met before without incident. They sniffed hello then as we went to leave their dog lunged at mine and tore her ear. She has a hole and a long tear. She is a bassett hound so has v.long ears and she is lucky that the dog didn't split the ear all the way.
At the time the owner said sorry i relied its ok and we walked off. round the corner i had a look at ear and could see the tear so took her to vets. £150 later she has several stitches.
I have insurance andexcess is £60 is it reasonable to ask for payment towards that.

Sorry but no I don't think you can ask. Both dogs were on a lead. You allowed your dog to sniff/ be sniffed. I think it's one of those things. Also as they had been fine before I think the other owner wouldn't have expected her dog to do it. Hope your bassett is okay.

I think she should pay you something, or claim off her insurance. Can you contact her to let her know how much it cost?
If my dog had bitten another dog, i would want to contribute

Legally you are within your rights to ask: her dog damaged your dog. I would certainly be mortified if someone incurred costs because of the damage my dog had done and think that it is entirely reasonable for you to ask her to pay the excess.

I'd mention it next time you met - will be easy to do as you won't let your dogs meet or sniff - so you can say that last time they sniffed it left you with a £150 bill. Then she can offer to pay (agree with Stillstanding that I would be mortified and want to pay if it were me) or not.

agree with Onlyaphase.id say it in jokey way.see what she says.