View Full Version : Dog attack (Neighbor's)
My old man was attacked by a neighbors lab (mix) dog yesterday while he was riding his bike to get the mail. He rides daily to get the mail, yesterday was no different. The dog punctured his lower calf, and he said he had to kick the dog off. A neighbor gave him a ride back to my house. My old man knocked on the neighbors door and the wife answered and the only thing she said was the dog is up to date on his vaccinations and sorry.
When i got home he was still cleaning the wound. He said he was fine, and insisted that he did not need medical attention. Until I reminded him that his grandkids play outside right next to the dog. I was pumped and pissed, and jumped on the ATV to talk to the neighbor. The neighbor was very apologetic and said the dog's radio collar was off because it was digging into the dogs skin. Electric/invisible fences are nice until the battery dies. He said he was talking to his wife about how to prevent this from happening. I believe they were worried we would sue them.
My MAIN concern is right at his house is where my 5 year old son and other neighborhood kids wait for the bus daily. If it would have been one of the kids, the outcome could have been a lot worse! I hated being that neighbor, but i told the home owner I had to report it. That dog has rushed at me and the cars as it drives past, and speaking with 4 other neighbors none of them feel comfortable walking past that house. The dog will growl, bark and pace as you walk past. When i was talking to the neighbor the dog was completely friendly. The house has no physical fence and the property is approx 2 acres.
What would you have done if you were me? If the bus stop was not literally right at their house, I prob would not have called.
https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5rxDpSW/0/X3/i-5rxDpSW-X3.jpg
https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-MBtkDZ8/0/X3/i-MBtkDZ8-X3.jpg
Seems like we just talked through this scenario. Sorry for your dad and I hope he recovers fast. I would have him checked out just in case (don't trust what your neighbor says about shots).
In before "if you're afraid of strange dogs you should stay inside."
ETA to answer your question: I would have called the DougCo Sheriffs (they are great here) to have the process started on a permanent solution that didn't involve me going to jail.
A little "nip" at me, no problem. Puncture wound like that on someone I care about and it's on. Thinking about it being my kids... Wow. I know exactly what you mean.
RblDiver
11-04-2016, 13:13
The time my sister got bitten by a dog was the only time I've ever heard my dad furious. He's been angry before (rarely), but this was fury.
Sounds to me like the guy's dog is a big hazard, and he needs to be acutely aware of this.
The only anecdote I have, which is probably not all that useful, is that at my parent's first house, the neighbors had a dog that always growled when my mom went outside (like to hang laundry). So one day, my dad got on the roof with a BB gun. My mom went out, the dog came over growling...and got beaned by my dad. Ever since then he cowered when my mom went outside! I don't know if this will be effective for that dog, but it's something to think about I suppose.
Edit: Oh, and it's interesting you mention that they were worried about you suing them. Over in Ireland where my sis got bit, apparently they have VERY strict dog laws. By the time we'd taken her to the doctor, and my dad went back out there with the local law enforcement, the owner had already shot the dog to avoid further penalties.
That type of incident needs to be reported and tracked. The burden and liability is entirely on the owners.
If your dad doesn't get medical attention for that wound, keep a close eye on it. Even the potential for blood clots should not be taken lightly.
I would have the wound looked at by a medical professional, at the neighbor's expense. Puncture wounds are very prone to infection, especially bite wounds. As for the neighbor, they are responsible for controlling their animal. If they can't or won't(physical fence), then it's time to involve the appropriate authorities.
Sorry I left that out, it was reported to Elbert county. A Sheriff stopped by to get pictures, and a statement and told him to go to seek medical attention. He went to urgent care and they gave him a antibiotics and a few shots, and thoroughly cleaned the wound.
I had a similar dog bite in the same place; dog belonged to my sister's ex husband. I knew the dog really well and always gave the dog attention. The dog just snapped one day when I was moving a table out of the barn with his owner about 15ft away. The surface wounds didn't hurt as much as the bruised muscle; dog was half German Shepherd and half Saint Bernard...big powerful jaw, which hurt like hell. He was family so I let it go.
However, in this case, either the owners need to take action on their own, or you need to take action against them so somebody else doesn't get hurt.
Dang man! Sorry to hear this. I love dogs but they're animals and you still have to treat them as such. I hope you can work this out and keep everyone safe. You're not the only one concerned which is a big red flag in my opinion.
I'm catch up on thread later, but that dog needs to go away. It'll be sad, but if you bite someone unprovoked, then you can be replaced by another dog.
Sorry I left that out, it was reported to Elbert county. A Sheriff stopped by to get pictures, and a statement and told him to go to seek medical attention. He went to urgent care and they gave him a antibiotics and a few shots, and thoroughly cleaned the wound.
Good news. You handled that right.
I hope the neighbor will get a summons.
Glad your father went to the treatment.
Hope he recovers fast.
My mom was bitten by a dog when she was in Los Angeles. It was pack of dogs from somewhere wondering around. Long story short, she now carry OC.
Exactly what everyone else has said. Sorry about your dad.
I actually find it hard to believe that Home Owners Insurance companies dont charge EXTRA for people who own dogs. They are an unknown. They cant be completely controlled all the time. Even on their own property.
Things work different in my world thats for sure.
Most companies have a list of dogs that aren't allowed that is longer than any city dog restriction. People just don't say they have dogs.
The more I think about this, I feel you should get their homeowners insurance information and file a claim.
Did the sheriff go talk to the neighbor? I live out there and had a similar problem with a neighbors dog attacking mine. Same BS story about the electric fence too.
Snowman78
11-04-2016, 15:10
Yep we pay out on dog bite claims all day long....
SNIP
I'm pretty sure you have met my dog. Fat beagle thing that hangs out with us by the garage out at Will's house. He wont bite anything, but I have spent over $2k for a backyard and fencing to keep him in at my house.
The owners need to own it. They (or their insurance) should take care of that medical, and immediately erect a fence. Like now.
Getting a third party involved (insurance) will usually help get results.
I know of a company that moved from breed restrictions to "Does your dog have a bite history?". Bite history=no go.
I know of a company that moved from breed restrictions to "Does your dog have a bite history?". Bite history=no go.
I just changed carriers a couple months ago; this is what I was asked.
Did the Deputy offer any advice? Did the Deputy report the incident to animal control? Did you?
This is from the Elbery County Sheriff's Animal Control page:
If the dog was not up-to-date on its rabies vaccination, or if it was running loose or otherwise in violation of the ordinance at the time the bite occurred, the animal will be impounded in our Rabies Observation Kennel for ten days. The owner may reclaim the animal after ten days have passed, and must be ready to pay any fines (such as failure to vaccinate against rabies) that may apply. In some cases, you may pay your fines at the kennel and then we will transfer your pet to your own veterinarian's office for observation.
http://www.elbertcountysheriff.com/acfaq.html#stray
I would make sure it was reported, impounded and get the insurance carrier information from the neighbor. The Deputy should have done that for you.
Great-Kazoo
11-04-2016, 15:37
What would you have done if you were me?
Check chamber, muzzle to back of head BANG! For you to even consider not having LE AND animal control contact. BIG MISTAKE Next item is hand the bill to the dogs owner. Wait for reimbursement. IF they say sorry it will take some time. Ask for their home owners ins contact info.
I know of a company that moved from breed restrictions to "Does your dog have a bite history?". Bite history=no go.
I actually find it hard to believe that Home Owners Insurance companies dont charge EXTRA for people who own dogs. They are an unknown. They cant be completely controlled all the time. Even on their own property.
Things work different in my world thats for sure.
Ins companies have this thing called Attractive Nuisance . Do you own something that a child would find interesting enough to wander over for. We had a visit a few years ago from our company, did we have swingset, pool etc. Then he asked what kind/breed of dogs we owned.Told certain breeds are considered more prone to attack and or bite, giving the homeowner a rate increase. SO yes the ins co does penalize one for owning certain breeds.
Circuits
11-04-2016, 15:38
So do you have to wait to BE bitten before you draw down and shoot the dog? The other thread on "CCW holder shoots lab in VA" has me confused.
Great-Kazoo
11-04-2016, 15:43
So do you have to wait to BE bitten before you draw down and shoot the dog? The other thread on "CCW holder shoots lab in VA" has me confused.
I'm in the Imminent Threat camp, in that "discussion".
I'm in the Imminent Threat camp, in that "discussion". I am in the camp of acting as the situation dictates. After the fact, analysis is easy. Deciding at the point of the attack, any attack, involves too many factors for a pat answer. But lessons learned should be filed away, like this thread.
Use of Force is an important topic. Here is some light reading produced by the Legal Division at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center https://www.fletc.gov/sites/default/files/PartIGrahamvConnor.pdf
The short answer for those who aren't interested in reading - There are no "Perfect Answers"
Nothing any of us will do is beyond question and we will all be judged by lots of people who were not there and have no idea what we experienced.
Be safe.
Scanker19
11-04-2016, 17:42
So do you have to wait to BE bitten before you draw down and shoot the dog? The other thread on "CCW holder shoots lab in VA" has me confused.
Only if it's an inner city thug dog....
If you can't get confirmation that the dog has been vaccinated FROM THEIR VET DIRECTLY, not some verbal from the owner, the dog needs to be impounded and observed. Option 2 is to have it immediately checked to see if has rabies, which guarantees it won't bite anyone else, if you get my drift.
Owner gets to pay all bills.
This is kinda how it unfolded for the GF a number of years ago; she got bit by a dog that had been terrorizing a neighborhood (not ours) for some time. The animal control officer suggested that she offer the following deal: Your dog gets tested and I won't press charges.
End of problem dog.
O2
Only if it's an inner city thug dog....
"Paws up don't shoot."
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii123/gmchenry/BLM_1.jpg
stevenc23
11-04-2016, 18:02
Definitely have him see his doctor. I would be very concerned about possible infection. Doctor may want to prescribe antibiotics.
We had a 4month old heeler we got at 8wks old, he turned on my wife torn up her hand and ankle. She text me pics and I headed home to take him for a ride. Once a biter always a biter.
Glad your dad got medical attention, hopefully the neighbors are actively seeking a remedy and offer to pay for any medical issues necessary. If your kids are there I'd be pushing for big results big time. At a minimum I'd have a full auto paintball gun and waylay that dog if it crosses the property line. I did this to a chow when I was in middle school after it came onto our property and attacked my dog. I chased it down on the atv and shot it probably 1000 times. Never saw the dog again, if I did I would have killed it.
funkymonkey1111
11-04-2016, 18:22
We had a 4month old heeler we got at 8wks old, he turned on my wife torn up her hand and ankle. She text me pics and I headed home to take him for a ride. Once a biter always a biter.
wow, a heeler bit--a dog whose whole purpose is to bite...
Hope your dad heals up quick! Sorry about the whole situation, I don't have attachment to animals so euthanizing the animal doesn't bother me. It's my family's safety over anyone or anything.
When i got home he was still cleaning the wound. He said he was fine, and insisted that he did not need medical attention.
Infection!! It's a dog bite, get it looked at ASAP
Just got the chance to go through this thread. Kwando, if that were my Dad, I would be livid (not saying you aren't).
That is a serious bite. That is not a nip. "Nips" don't leave puncture wounds. There is a viable risk for infection there, as has been said already. The myth that dogs' mouths are clean is just that, a MYTH.
I am a dog person, but that dog is a problem, based on the minimal information you have provided thus far.
Don't worry about being "that neighbor". From what you have put forth in this thread, practically everyone in your neighborhood knows (or at least feels) that that dog is a menace, or the very least, a nuisance.
Imagine of that would have been a child's leg. They would have likely been pulled of the bike, instead of being able to kick the dog away. Then what?
Make sure the report gets filed with Sheriff AND Animal Control. Pursue financial compensation from the dog owners, and make sure your Dad gets proper medical attention and follow-up. As has been said already, INFECTION. My grandmother almost had to have her foot amputated, due to infection from my sister's cat clawing her ankle. Fortunately, medicine prevailed in that instance.
Sorry you, your Dad and your family have to go through this. Your instincts to protect your, and your neighbors' children is spot on.
My 2 cents...sorry if I rambled.
Bailey Guns
11-04-2016, 19:24
Nevermind...
Great-Kazoo
11-04-2016, 19:39
wow, a heeler bit--a dog whose whole purpose is to bite...
Heelers don't bite. They "nip" at legs of cattle and anything else they feel like herding. But that's another discussion.
My old man was attacked by a neighbors lab (mix) dog yesterday while he was riding his bike to get the mail. ... The dog punctured his lower calf, and he said he had to kick the dog off. A neighbor gave him a ride back to my house. My old man knocked on the neighbors door and the wife answered and the only thing she said was the dog is up to date on his vaccinations and sorry.
... I reminded him that his grandkids play outside right next to the dog. ... The neighbor was very apologetic and said the dog's radio collar was off because it was digging into the dogs skin. (Reference photos of Dad's leg in OP) ... He said he was talking to his wife about how to prevent this from happening. I believe they were worried we would sue them.
This was bugging me, so I had to go back. The text bolded by me seems to show that the offending dog owner clearly has more compassion for his dog, than any of the neighboring families and their children.
/rant addendum
Don't worry about being that Neighbor, because your neighbor is that Neighbor.
gnihcraes
11-04-2016, 20:42
Hope Dad heals up quick.
Another bite story: One of our cats seriously bit our son when he was about 6 months. Hospital was required to call animal control. We had a 10 day in house quarantine.
Once clear, they went for a ride, never to be seen again. It's not just dogs that can do this.
Your poor dad! That's going be sore.
The fact that your neighbor's wife answered first and all she said was "sorry" and that the dog is "up to date on his shots" would have had me taking a bit different action. I know everyone else has mentioned it, but it bears repeating: imagine how a dog bite like that would impact your child.
It's not too late to report it to animal control. I'd be keenly interested to see if the dog has any bite history.
Your neighbors are depending on you to be shy and not wanting to press the issue, and to be a "good neighbor"- which, in their selfish minds, means not rocking the boat or disturbing them.
The dog started an opening salvo; their lackadaisical response was a careless shot across your bow.
I would request their homeowner's insurance information, politely and professionally. Your dad has an Urgent Care bill to pay, as well as prescriptions now. Their homeowner's insurance needs to cover that bill-I don't care if it's $15. They need to be knocked into the dirt for this.
If they object, small claims court is filled with cases such as this. Take photos of their property tomorrow, showing their lack of fencing and the proximity of the bus stop. Make sure your dad has copies of his bills that he submits to the neighbors.
Man, dog bites suck.
I'm sure it's been said already, but for the love of God, have him get it looked at. Some antibiotics are good insurance with any type of animal bites. I thought I was good from a dog bite too, and let me tell you when my hand got infected it woke me up a couple nights throbbing all the way to my neck, the pulse in my fingers hurt like a SOB. I've dealt with a few serious injuries and this was one was up there in terms of pain.
He'll be doing the next person the dog bites a huge service if he reports it. Hopefully it isn't a small child.
kidicarus13
11-05-2016, 00:30
Glad it wasn't a pit.
wow, a heeler bit--a dog whose whole purpose is to bite...
This was our 4th heeler and none of the others every bit a human. Family in Wyoming all has heelers and never had one that bit anyone.
This pup bit/nipped my kids and we figured it was due to playing. When it torn into my wife it wasn't just a nip it was a full blown attack.
Super glad he isn't hurt worse. DEFINITELY GET IT CHECKED BY A DOCTOR!
If this happened to my dad he wouldn't have ever let it get close enough to bite. I love that he carries 24/7 now.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
Kwando hasn't been back to this thread because he's busy taking care of business. :)
Glad it wasn't a pit.
Right? He'd have been dead by now.
Send Father to emergency room. Get him the best care possible. Send medical bill, to dog owner, attached to attorney letter head.
Contact local LE and file a report.
Contact animal control and file a report.
Contact neighbors about aggressive neighborhood dog.
Had a past neighbor that would shoot a coyotes coming too close to his horses. This was on 1 acre parcels. Never had a problem with him. He never had a problem with me doing the same.
Love dogs. Hate aggressive dogs and stupid owners.
Good luck!
BTW: I still have a bite scare on my a$$ from a "nice" chocolate lab.
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