Originally Posted by Nancy1999 (Post 1951186)

I am so sorry for your friend. I don't know what the dollar limit in Small Claims Court is in New York, but in many states it's $5000.00. If this would cover the cost of her own injuries and the cost of the dog, than this is one way to go because your friend would not need to hire a lawyer, and the case is pretty clear-cut. If she has the money to hire a lawyer, that might be the way to go. Some lawyers work on a percentage of the amount awarded.

It does not matter that someone else was with the dog at the time the owner is still responsible. She needs to inform the authorities about the bite and what happens to the dog depends on them whether or not she seeks civil justice.

Sometimes they just reimburse for the cost of the average yorkie so she might want to have receipts for her dog and perhaps neutering expenses especially if hers was an expensive dog. I would think if she can afford to hire a lawyer she has a good chance at getting punitive damages as well, because a pit bull's owner should be aware of the dangerous behavior of this dog, and many insurance companies won't even offer coverage if they know the dog is a pit bull. It's kind of you to help your friend like this, but the very first thing she should do is contact authorities. The next victim could be a child.

I didn't see your last post until I posted this. I wouldn't worry about the pitbull if I were you.

Originally Posted by SladesMommy (Post 1951300)

The simple fact is that Staffy Bulls, Pit bulls, and most other bulls should never be trusted with other dogs. They were bred to fight other dogs, and even if not trained to do so, its still in their instincts.. just like rat hunting is yorkie's instinct. Dog Parks, day care, etc is NOT the place for "bully" breeds.

I own one and she is never off leash anywhere other than my own backyard. I make the groomers muzzle her when she goes in. If we are on a walk, I avoid all other dogs. So far she has been fine w/ other dogs, but given her ancestry, I just don't like to take that chance! I'd rather be safe than sorry. Unfortunately many pit owner don't realize that.

Originally Posted by roxynfritz (Post 1952645)

I'm usually not one to be really eye-for-an-eye about it, but to me a pit bull isn't a pet, it is a weapon, and a deadly one at that: to dogs, people, children, etc. There is a pit bull in our neighborhood that caused me to spend a fortune on a gym and now on a fence to prevent it from ever coming near our dog. It jumps its fence and is menacing as all hell...and the family just bought another pit bull puppy. They love to menace people with it, and they get away with it because it is behind a fence.

If people walked around with cocked pistols, it would NOT go over so well...to me "rescue pit bulls" is like "rescue a gun"...no thank you.

Originally Posted by dlross (Post 1952639)

Pitbulls are band in Alberta Canada, I actually thing they are totally band in Canada, believe me I would find some compensation for the damage the Pitbull cause, matter-of-fact I would insist it be put down. Fight back it took your love one, so they lose their dog…Good luck

Originally Posted by roxynfritz (Post 1952645)

I'm usually not one to be really eye-for-an-eye about it, but to me a pit bull isn't a pet, it is a weapon, and a deadly one at that: to dogs, people, children, etc. There is a pit bull in our neighborhood that caused me to spend a fortune on a gym and now on a fence to prevent it from ever coming near our dog. It jumps its fence and is menacing as all hell...and the family just bought another pit bull puppy. They love to menace people with it, and they get away with it because it is behind a fence.

If people walked around with cocked pistols, it would NOT go over so well...to me "rescue pit bulls" is like "rescue a gun"...no thank you.