Neighbors dog kills my cat; injures two others

[Luthien]

Happened last month just getting to city court now not civil court for a while yet if we go that route.

Neighbor witnessed the dog killing our cat and my father witnessed the dog attack another of our cats in our own garage. The dog entered through our dog door with flap at the back of our house. Our old dog died a few years ago and we still use that dog door when relatives ask us to watch their dogs or they come to visit and bring their dogs. The third injured cat came home injured no witnesses.

Dog had no leash, no collar, no license, no rabies shots, etc. Another dog was with it but not witnessed killing or attacking anything, it was around but not seen doing anything but both dogs belong to the same owner. Both dogs got loose 5 days earlier and the police officer recognized them and knew where the owner lived about half a mile away. Broken picket fence observed at the home by police officer and animal control.

Very upsetting that cat was very special to me and to have it killed in such a manner was just devestating.

Submission for police reports on the dogs has yielded no other reported instances and flyers distributed around the owners home so far have yielded no unreported instances of the dogs misbehavior...

Anyone here a lawyer? I cannot put a value on my cat but I know I would like to sue for thousands. I am afraid the dogs will get loose again and now have to have my back door replaced so that I can fit it with a cat door. Vet says that type of behavior tends to escalate in dogs once they kill domestic pets and a child could be next if the dogs get out again. We are also keeping all of our cats in doors at this time, so we are no longer able to utilize our property the way we used to. We have lived at present address for over 25 years and no dog ever attacked our cats before.

EDIT: 01/20/07 Here is a link to pictures (not for kids): Link

EDIT: 01/23/07 Changed the title because too many people are confused by my verbage.

 

[buck]

Sorry for your kitty.

 

[Ulfwald]

As soon as they come on your property again, shoot them. They may be a danger to you and your family.

I love dogs, more than cats, but no animal should be permitted to become violent.

 

[MisterJackson]

A bowl of anti-freeze left in your yard seems in order.



(I am kidding, do not do this or flame me for it)

 

[ViRGE]

Originally posted by: Luthien
Vet says that type of behavior tends to escalate in dogs once they kill domestic pets and a child could be next if the dogs get out again. We are also keeping all of our cats in doors at this time, so we are no longer able to utilize our property the way we used to. We have lived at present address for over 25 years and no dog ever attacked our cats before.

The same thing crossed my mind, and I would certainly at least have a chat with animal control about the possibility. If they're going to be dangerous, they need to be stopped.

But... suing for "thousands" won't bring your cat back. There's no need to be a jerk about the loss. If you haven't already, go talk to the owners. Most people are reasonable, I'd imagine(and hope) they'd be sympathetic to your loss and help to pay for the replacement of the cat.

And sorry for your loss.

 

[NuroMancer]

Originally posted by: Ulfwald
As soon as they come on your property again, shoot them. They may be a danger to you and your family.

I love dogs, more than cats, but no animal should be permitted to become violent.

It sounds extreame, but I know if their dog was comming after one of my pets, and I knew they had a history. I would take action.

 

[Luthien]

I don't own a gun but maybe i should buy a 22 but then if I did shoot them I am sure the city would fine me and put me in jail for discharging a weapon in the city and on top of that the irony would be going to court because the owner would try to sue me.

 

[SonnyDaze]

Sorry for your loss bro. What breed of dog are we talking here?

 

[Luthien]

SonnyDaze, Husky and a Black Shepard mix.

 

[CocoGdog]

I never know why people allow their cats outside at all in the first place. I am a cat owner myself and don't think that letting the cat go outside has any advantage:

1. They get hurt or killed by cars, people, or other animals.
2. They get sick and bring fleas/ticks into the house.
3. They get dirty and then you get sick.

 

[Luthien]

Virge yes, sueing for thousands because it is not "just a cat" to me or any cat owner that gets attached to their pets. The value of my cat is priceless to me and having owned around 16 cats in my lifetime this cat was unique in its friendly personality towards humans. This cat was like a dog in it's affection chirp calling and purring to no end never getting enough affection; always greeting the family at the front door when we arrived home. We have never had a cat so attached to us before and his death was horrible. The neighbor saw the dog running down the street from the direction of our property with the cat in his mouth screaming and screaming.

 

[NuroMancer]

Originally posted by: Luthien
I don't own a gun but maybe i should buy a 22 but then if I did shoot them I am sure the city would fine me and put me in jail for discharging a weapon in the city and on top of that the irony would be going to court because the owner would try to sue me.

Bad Idea inside of city limits.

Isn't that a felony?

 

[NuroMancer]

Animal control will do nothing???

Get everone in the neighbourhood together, and each and every time the dog is lose. Call animal control and NOT the cops.

 

[SonnyDaze]

Originally posted by: CocoGdog
I never know why people allow their cats outside at all in the first place. I am a cat owner myself and don't think that letting the cat go outside has any advantage:

1. They get hurt or killed by cars, people, or other animals.
2. They get sick and bring fleas/ticks into the house.
3. They get dirty and then you get sick.

Do you and your cat leave in a plastic bubble or some sh|t? The dog came into the OP's garage to attack one of his cats. If you, as a responsible owner, keep up with your pet's vaccinations than the animal won't get sick. And for god sakes don't shove your tongue in it's mouth or any other orifices and you won't get sick yourself.

 

[Luthien]

I agree CocoGdog we just didnt realize the danger because we thought the garage was safe and our cat was always fighting with two of the indoor cats and would cower by the door wanting to get out so we got accustomed to letting some of our cats live in and outside and the others live inside completely because they get along perfectly. I have tried to make them live inside in peace many times but unsuccessfully. We have the dog door locked and the outside/inside cats locked in for now and of course they can't stand it. One of them is so pissed off it can't get out it cry's like it is in pain at the door and will spit and hiss when you try to console it. I love that cat very much she is just a grumpy kitty and the one cat we have with wanderlust that travels around the neighborhood, but all the other cats stick to the house within say 30 yards max.

 

[Thorny]

Originally posted by: NuroMancer

Originally posted by: Luthien
I don't own a gun but maybe i should buy a 22 but then if I did shoot them I am sure the city would fine me and put me in jail for discharging a weapon in the city and on top of that the irony would be going to court because the owner would try to sue me.

Bad Idea inside of city limits.

Isn't that a felony?

Most towns allow arrows to be shot, so that would keep the city off your back. You'd still have legal issues with shooting it, but at least it wouldn't involve a firearm.

To the OP, sorry for your loss. Instead of suing to try and punish the owner, why not try to have the dog euthenized(?). No amount of money can replace your cat, and you might be dissapointed by how much a judge feels your cat is worth. Go after the dog to ensure this doesn't happen again.

 

[Luthien]

The city lawyer appointed to the case (nothing to do with civil case) says that it is very hard to get a dog euthanized and I am going to try to go that route offering the owner the option to have his dog euthanized or risk a judgement in our favor in civil court. The owner already pleaded not guiltly which is laughable to the city court and never attempted to apologize or offer to pay for anything. I told that lawyer that I didn't care about the money and that I would be satisfied if the dog was euthanized. I still fear that the other dog could get out but it was present but not involved so nothing can be done accept the judge warn the owner that if that dog gets out it will be taken away and if it gets out and kills it will also be euthanized. But, like I said the lawyers thinks euthanasia is unlikely.

 

[Perknose]

Luthien, so sorry for your loss. Please tell us his/her name, that the 'pooty lives on in memory, at least.

I know, sadly, that I would be seeing red, and might well have reacted violently and inappropriately. I glad for you that you didn't.

One thought, one month on. Do you think yourself emotionally composed enough to go talk to the dogs' owner in person? Perhaps, calling him first and proposing meeting in a cafe? Sometimes the best resolution is to go straight to the source. Give that guy a chance to express his remorse to you personally, and perhaps work out a settlement that doesn't involve the goddamn courts.

 

[Luthien]

Perknose that cat's name was Ralph. I have pictures and documentation of course of the dead cat the injuries to the other cats.

If I had been around and seen that dog kill Ralph you can bet I would have killed that dog on the spot with my bare hands. I would have grabbed it by the back by its fur lifed it over my head ignoring any pain from bites and slammed it on the street and then stomped it dead. I am very upset and angry still. I constantly think about my cat in that dogs mouth screaming.

 

[chrisms]

I'd call you a jackass for taking him to court, but he should have his dog locked up and at the very least have shots. I would maybe give him a chance to beg and plead with you to drop the case but having his dog running around like that is a danger to everyone in the neighborhood, a danger that could be avoided if he just took a little time to handle his responsibilities.

 

[OVerLoRDI]

Originally posted by: Luthien
Perknose that cat's name was Ralph. I have pictures and documentation of course of the dead cat the injuries to the other cats.

If I had been around and seen that dog kill Ralph you can bet I would have killed that dog on the spot with my bare hands. I would have grabbed it by the back by its fur lifed it over my head ignoring any pain from bites and slammed it on the street and then stomped it dead. I am very upset and angry still. I constantly think about my cat in that dogs mouth screaming.

You should really consider what Perknose said. After you have calmed down a bit go talk to your neighbor and tell him what his dog did and the evidence you have against his animal. Unless he is a complete idiot he will see it's pretty much a lost battle and you guys can work something out. Other wise if you really want something from him you will have to go to court... and that sucks.

 

[ViRGE]

Originally posted by: Luthien
Virge yes, sueing for thousands because it is not "just a cat" to me or any cat owner that gets attached to their pets. The value of my cat is priceless to me and having owned around 16 cats in my lifetime this cat was unique in its friendly personality towards humans. This cat was like a dog in it's affection chirp calling and purring to no end never getting enough affection; always greeting the family at the front door when we arrived home. We have never had a cat so attached to us before and his death was horrible. The neighbor saw the dog running down the street from the direction of our property with the cat in his mouth screaming and screaming.

I had a cat like that once too that thankfully lived until old age, so I know where you're coming from here. But that doesn't change the fact that what happened isn't worth thousands of dollars; cats are animals, and they do have a finite value like all pets. Sometimes things happen beyond our control, and all we can do is pick up the pieces and move on - it sounds like what you really want is revenge, not another cat, and that isn't going to help anyone.

You need to man-up and go talk to your neighbor in a calm, collected manner. The legal system is for escalations where no other possible resolution can be found, and you're not there yet. Save yourself the trouble and save your neighbor the trouble, just go talk to the guy/gal. If they don't want to do anything to resolve the situation, then you have grounds to go to court. But to not talk to them and just start handing out lawsuits is only going to make you the jerk in the situation.

 

[Beast]

i feel the same Luthien. I've lost a few cats over my life and its a painful thing to go thru. each day gets easier but make sure all attacks are on file with the dog officer, which it will build up if the dog continues what its been doing. If i was witnessing my cat being attacked, i surely would be beating that dog or animal hard.

 

[wheresmybacon]

When I was a kid, the people 4 houses down from me had a massive murderous dog; half husky, half wolf (not kidding). Never once did I ever see him on a leash. That dog ate at least 4 adult cats we know of, an entire litter of kittens, bit at least a half-dozen people, and mauled a lady jogging. He never messed with me, but he bit my brother and my brother's friend.

He was picked up by animal control several times but somehow the owners always managed to get him back.

Someone ended up poisoning the dog. No one knows who, but it wasn't too long after he tore the hell out of the lady jogging. Vigilanteism ftw.

 

[shadow9d9]

Don't let your cat outside... The dog owner was wrong, but so were you. I have 2 dogs and 2 cats. My cats stay indoors and also have a cat door onto our screened in/completely enclosed patio... If you expose your cats to the outside, you need to take some responsibility for exposing them to danger.