Dog attack, should I persue…?

[TolerateWit]

Three weeks ago my 13 year old dog was attacked, unprovoked, by a younger larger breed dog. The owner was apologetic but during the exchange that occurred whilst we were checking our dog stated that the dog didn’t like black dogs (yes, ours is black), had a large electric collar on and admitted it was because it had no recall. She did give us her number and said she would pay any bills, our dog attended the emergency vets and had staples, antibiotics and monitoring for erratic heartbeat. She’s now ignoring our calls and messages. She was adamant she didn’t live local but doing a bit of research I’ve found she’s a local dog trainer, owns a dog grooming business and lives in the next village. What should I do next? I’m furious we have a large vets bill through no fault of our own and the trauma our beloved dog went through.

That’s awful. Did you notify the police at the time?

They were not interested. I informed the dog warden.

Whilst it’s annoying and she’s pulled a fast one, do you have insurance?

If she offered to pay and you know where she lives, can you not go round and talk to her. Give her a photocopy of the bill? Or post on her business page?

I do, however our premium/excess is high due to her age so I’ve still paid a large amount. I’m not asking for the whole amount, just what the insurance didn’t pay which is a lot!

I’ve sent copies of the bill which she’s ignored. The first words out of her mouth before asking if our dog was okay was to state please don’t put this on FB which we didn’t really take much notice of at the time because a) more concerned about our dog and b) it’s not our style. However, I’m now tempted to! My poor dog was traumatised and it’s not solely about the money tbh. I am furious she can get away with this whilst boasting about her training. I don’t even blame the dog, she failed it and lied.

It should never have happened, but if both dogs were off lead, roaming free, it’s an unpleasant hazard of life……
If your dog was on lead at the time and you have a witness to this, perhaps small claims?

As a rule of thumb, I ensure my dog is recalled close to me (not on a lead, but he is very well trained and stays closer than a lead would necessarily hold a dog until he’s verbally released to roam again ) and not allowed to interact with unknown dogs, particularly larger ones, as you just never know…….

You sound very reasonable.
If it were me, I would try other means of contacting her through her business/Facebook/social media and ask her to contact you with a deadline of a few days hence.
(or registered letter to her home?
Asking her to honour what she offered at the time / and or for her insurance details if she declines.
If she still declines - I would have to ket her know that “in that case, I will need to consider my options” - which she will read as incoming public knowledge of the attack - that she does not need for her business.

Sorry - cross posted.

what on earth is an electric collar ?

just take the bill round to her at her business - she will not want her clients hearing this / knowing this

Shaming someone on Facebook rarely covers anyone in glory however on this occasion since she has gone back on her word and ignored you, and because her business is in the dog industry I think you should actually consider it. It appears to be the only way she’ll take any notice of you. Maybe msg her Facebook page so she knows you’re aware of who she is and what she does, be polite and say if you don’t deal with things reasonably then you’ll have to consider other options. The CFery of some people, honestly.

I disagree. My dog was under my control, at heel and had her back towards the other dog who pelted at her full speed from a good distance away, owner obviously had issues with it as it had an electric collar on and admitted it didn’t like black dogs. My husband had to grab the dog before it did even more damage. The owner had no control, my husband even had to put her dog on its lead.

Thank you, it was incredibly distressing to witness especially as it came from nowhere. Our dog doesn’t stray from our heels now and has no interest in other dogs…she’s too old to fight! I do not want to disparage someone’s reputation but would hate this to happen to anyone else plus I can’t stand the unfairness of it!

It’s very valid to feel like that. It is unfair. Your dog has been attacked, you’ve had to fork out for it and it’s because of her irresponsible actions. And for someone who works with dogs you would think she’d have more sense. But the real nail in the coffin is the total lack of decency from her. Had she kept to her word and paid you then at least it would show remorse. It’s very bad form that she’s ignoring you and proves she’s hoping you’ll just brush it under the carpet and not take her to task.

@TolerateWit fair enough. None of that info was detailed in your OP.

Do you have any independent witnesses?
The reality is you’re unlikely to get a result without those, but you have my full sympathy.

Police aren't interested in dog on dog attacks only dog on human unfortunately. I was told they'd be so busy as there are so many of them they wouldn't have time for any other police work.

In that case a carefully worded text highlighting you know she’s a trainer and it’s rather disappointing to see her not fulfilling her obligations as a dog owner.

As you know she’s has a business can you get her address? I would then say if she doesn’t pay by x then you will go to the small claims court. I think I judge might have little sympathy with her given her job and she obviously knew it was trouble. Although I’m not sure how good a trainer she is if she’s using electric collars. Thought they were illegal? Not sure what the excess is but maybe offer to pay the first £50 ish to look reasonable?

The worst part about this is that I am unsurprised that the person is in the 'dog world' as a trainer. It's sheer arrogance that is the cause of incidents like this.

I'm so sorry this happened to your old girl. I would absolutely reach out one more time, but if she didn't reply I would 100% be going public. People who are 'in' the dog world should be held to a much higher standard when it comes to dog ownership, and her behaviour is disgraceful. Those who are paying for her services should know she has an out of control dog.

How is your girl doing now?

Pursue all the way!

I’d go quickly to her FB page. Dishonest and irresponsible people won’t respond to reasonable approaches, as you have already found.

I would send a letter by recorded delivery to her address and to the name of her business (so she is aware that you know what she has to lose)

Very formal, what happened, her verbal agreement to cover costs.

And say ‘please pay within 7 days or we will consider the options we have for taking further action ‘

’the options we have’ sounds more definite.

Is she still walking this dog in the area? Go without your dog and get a photo.

Definitely go with a letter outlining costs and payment details. Recorded delivery with a deadline for payment.

I would also send to her business address too. Outrageous that she has ignored you.

There is law about dogs being under control (doesn’t need to be on a lead). Hers wasn’t.

How is your dog now?

oh and yes I’ve had black dogs and it’s been cited as a thing - other dogs can’t read their facial expressions? Same with flat faced dogs like pugs and frenchies too.

Thank you everyone, our girl is better now but she’s definitely a bit more wary on our walks and if another dog appears in the distance she’s even closer to us. I do have her address, everyone is online now! I’m going to do as some suggest and compose a carefully worded text again then if no response send a signed for letter. No independent witnesses but have the texts where she admits responsibility.

I had never seen such a callar but she stated that was what it was as the dogs recall was not consistent (I’d suggest non-existent).

I had never heard of that re black dogs, we chose our girl as the rescue centre said they are usually the last to re home. We’ve had her 11 years with no incidents until now! Thank you.

I would tell her that either she coughs up, or you will go to the small claims court.

I'd say before I put it on Facebook and review your business I'd like to give you a last chance to pay up.

You should put a description of the "trainer" and dog on Facebook anyway, so other people know to give a wide berth