:mad:I am so sorry your yourkie was injured in an attack by anther dog. YES, I feel like the owner should be accountable for the dogs' behavior, letting it roam free in the neighborhood, and such.
I am glad your dog is going to be ok, but, may suffer from perm. injury. ALL of this makes me very irate.
I hate to see anther dog sufffer because of negligent owners, this is maddening.
I'd try and get witness statement, and police reports all together and file lawsuit against these people. :mad:

Pitbulls are banned in Canada and have to have muzzles when walking. THANK GOD because I am afraid of these dogs and they are so unpredictable!!

Sorry for your pain... Hope your baby gets better soon!

Link:
Pit bull ban begins

Leesha

I think it is sad that they have been banned....... what would happen if someday a country would ban Yorkies :eek::eek::eek:! I know that they (Pits) have a bad reputation, but I really think that the irresponsible owners need to be banned.
I know that some may disagree with me, but it really isn't the dogs fault. Their temperament has been encouraged by a lot of idiots....and some breeding done just for the best "attack/fighting dog. So sad. :(

That is just awful - for both of you - best wishes to Merlot!

Oh my god I'm SO sorry for you and lil' Merlot.... I live in Belmont Shore and most dog owners are VERY responsible here, but I know it can happen ANYWHERE.... I am SO sorry you guys are going thru this..

If the person won't take responsibility then small claims is the way to go ASAP. the cap in CA for small claims is $7,500 FYI... I hope you don't have to go that way, and that this person will take responsibility for not having their animal leashed and just having their gate open.. But it's pretty much an open and shut case IMO..... Just document EVERYTHING!!

Good luck to you, and I have said a prayer for Merlot that he has a very speedy recovery!! xx

Thank You ladies so much for all the advice, information and well wishes!
So much good info here and your caring has me sitting here in tears.

Yes, I have been documenting everything and the neighbors who helped us are willing to give statements if needed.

I always thought I was being vigilant and would promptly pick my dogs up and go inside whenever I saw a stray.
This dog took us by surprise though. he ran up from behind before my dogs even knew he was there. I first reacted by pulling on my leashes to pick them up, but the pit was too fast and jumped and grabbed him before I could do anything.
This happened about 10ft from the front door of our complex.

I'm so sorry that happened to you. The only reason the police responded so quickly was because a neighbor called it in as a domestic dispute or attack. They thought my screams for help were because of a person attacking me at first.


Thanx for all the info. I actually contacted Justin Rudd because I know he does so much for animals here and in Belmont. he gave me an animal lawyer to contcat, but he was'nt taking any clients out of his area, so could'nt help me.


Thank You and I agree! The thing is I'm not even mad at the dog, I blame the owners. When I had to identify the dog in the animal control truck, he just looked so pitiful. It's sad all the way around.

You ladies are so amazing. I've gained more info and support here than from anyone I have contacted. I don't think they see how serious we were attacked from just talking on the phone.
:hug::hug::hug:


Thank You, you're right. I'm going to compile everything I have including total cost and approach them berfore filing a claim.
I pray that they will react positively.


Excellent info. I did'nt know most of this. I will check into the HO ins.

We have taken a ton of pics and I had to write everything down for the animal control, so I will use that report of an account of the events.
Very interesting about HO ins. I have to look into that.

Im soo sorry this happened to you! And i am soo Glad that your dog is recovering.


I dont want to start a debate, And i dont mean to offend. But please dont blame the attack on the fact that the dog is a pittbull. PLEASE dont. Im not trying to lecture, But the reason there have been alot of pittbull attacks is definatly the owners fault. Pitts are very loving and caring animals, very eager to please and what not. But they are indeed terriers, And MOST people buy these dogs and dont do ANYTHING with them as far as training, And we all should know how terriers need to be taght manners:p Most get one and will accually teach the dog to be viscious because they think it is in some way cool to make a pittbull a mean and scary dog. .

Sounds like They got the dog to be cool and in someway impower themselves by having a scary dog, and these types of people will indeed not teach the dog manners, obediance and will even try to make the dog mean and train it to bark and gorwl at people. And by the sounds of it, These people arent concered about there dog much considering they let him roam.

He may even be used for Dog fighting. were his ears cropped? they are cropped so they arent as vulnerable to its aponent and the aponent cant bite them by the ears and pull them down.

So my qeustion is, Was the dogs ears cropped? Because if so, He could very well be used for fighting, and that may be why he tore off after your little one. And if he just wasnt socialized and taught anything, that is also not his fault, but his owners. Or maybe his owners thought he would look better with cropped ears. I dunno. But een this simple sign could mean sooo soo much.


BY the sounds of it. It isnt the dogs fault. Dont blame the breed, blame the owners. Again i dont know if anybody hear accually beleives the crapola about pitts being mean forocious dogs. And honestly, if you do i pitty you. BUt dont blame the breed.

Oh I am so so sorry for your Merlot and for what you have been through!!
The pictures are heartbreaking! I'm glad that Merlot is doing better.

IMO the Pit Bull's owner should be responsible for the damages. Best of luck to you both.:big_hug:

This is so incredibly sad. :(

If that dog gets out regularly, it can't be the first time it's attacked someone/something. I would definitely expect compensation from the owners for vet bills, and pain/suffering.

I hope Merlot has a speedy recovery. I can't blame you for being freaked out about going for walks now. I think that I will be too after hearing about what happened to Merlot. Pretty sad that you can't even go for a nice leisurely walk with your pet.

Good Point!
When we bought our home nearly 14 yrs ago, I remember being asked if we had a pool or dogs, when I told them about our dogs, they asked the breed. Since we did not have what they considered a dangerous breed, there was no extra charge.

You are very welcome :) I just hope that you get some compensation for all the medical bills and lost work time. A big plus would be something for pain and suffering. You could treat little Merlot and your other baby to a day at the doggy spa, when Merlot is feeling better.

Big Hugs to Merlot from Abby, Daisy and Me :hug:

That's awful - it must have been so frightening! It's beyond me why anyone would let ANY dog roam freely around a neighbourhood - these 'owners' could end up with the death of a pet or child on their conscience. I wish Merlot a speedy recovery.*

Pitbulls have the strongest jaws of all dogs its like a weapon and even if a dog is trained very well you cannot know when or if they will attack!

The pittying thing really really bugs me and I suggest you save you pitty for someone who really needs it!

I wish Merlot a speedy recovery and no limp to his leg. Take whatever action you can and to the fullest extent of the local laws. Document, notarize as others have suggested. We faced the same situation at least twice earlier this year when several of our neighbors golden retrievers came after the boys while they were being walked. Their dogs got out of the yard. Luckily each time the guys escaped with no harm solely because the friend that was walking them the first time pulled them up and out of harms way and I was there the second. What scares me is that my spouse will not react the same way and the boys will be severely injured or killed by these 75 pound dogs. or by the lady who walks her large dog off leash because she thinks he minds so well. I've asked her nicely to leash him after he has come growling at the boys.

oh no that poor baby merlot! My heart breaks for you and him!!! :(

My moms dog was attacked by a neighbors dog. The owners picked up the whole vet bill no fight or lawyers had to be brought in (it was $7,000) and her dog will have a limp the rest of her life also. Its sooo sad. My mom and her hubby try very hard to keep walking the dogs, but they look over their shoulder a lot now. I don't know what I'd do if that happened to one of mine, I am always so cautious. Our walks have dwindled as well due to fear. :( Not just dogs but coyotes now too. :( I would take the bill from the vet to their house and ask them to pay the bill because of their negligance they left the gate open and your dog had to suffer the consequences. It is not fair to you.

I would like to know where you are getting your information. The first part is true, The second part is totally wrong. JUst because somebody has Huge muscles because they go to the gym alot doesnt mean that they are unpredictable and may start randomly beating people up. Its really sad you would even say that. I doubt you've accually come in cantact with many of these dogs. If even one.



Again OP. Im very very sorry this happened to you and your dog. Believe me I know hoe you feel. My girl was attacked by a 200 lb Mal Huskey. BUt then again, I suppose that every malamute huskey is also unpredictable because of its Strong jaws and muscular body:rolleyes:

I didn't want to step in on this but, the second part of posters statement is correct. Any animal that is not trained properly is a threat and is unpredictable. A PERSON with big muscles is no comparison to a large dog with a very strong dog that is untrained. The arrgument may be well you probably have never been near pits but I have experiance through out my life with these dogs and if they are not with the right people they are very dangerous. With the right people who train them yet take the precautions they are wonderul, but sad to say this is usually not the case. It's sad that this breed has been subject to this and it is the irresponsible people, but it still is. Many people should not own these dogs because any dog that has that muscle mass and weight needs special attention to be trained and not hurt anyone else.


e

I am glad to hear Merlot is doing better. I really hope that you are able to move forward with action against he owners. Next time that dog can fatally would or injure another animal or even a person. :(

But she said that even when they are well trained they are unpredictable. the statement is wrong. Ive worked with pitts as well. And the only one that was a little unbalanced was used for fighting. And he was still able to be saved. He is now a very sweet natured dog. And i know he wouldnt hurt a fly. To stereotype the entire breed is wrong.

Punish the deed, not the breed.

"There are no bad dogs, juts bad dog owners"

BTW- ANY breed of dog can be dangerous with the wrong owners. Even The smallest of dogs can be dangerous.

Any dog can attack you just have less chance of it happening if they are trained. It's true a breed should not be punished but it is hard not to when the majority of the people that own them should not.
In this case particularly the dog will be punished for the owners negligence. Sad but true.

Very true... Any dog can attack, but I would much rather have a 10 pound dog attack compared to a 60 pound dog. Owners need to take responsiblity for what their dogs do, and if you decide to take on the responsiibilty of an animal you do that holisticly. Bottom line they need a person that is ready for the challenge just like any other breed, but even more so in a large dog that can do alot of damage.

That is true. A large dog can do more damage, And i can see where alot of people fear pitts because they are so well "Built"

Im sorry if i get defensive in my posts. I get very sad/angry when people asume that pitts are an all around bad breed. I accually had people at the rescue i volunteer at come in and make a complaint because there neighbors adopted a "pittbull" from us and they thought we should have euthed it instead of adopting him out (He is a very very sweet, gentle and very well behaved dog), You should have seen there faces when they found out he had no pittbull in him! lol. He was mixed with another bully breed. NO traces of Pitt in him at all. It was laughable and we never got a complaint from thm since. I just find it ignorant that some people assume that these dogs are all monsters that shouldnt have been created. I also find it mean that humans created this breed of dog, and now they want to punish it for being what it it is( Or said to be) It gets quite tiresome having to defend this breed when they come through the shelter. So i hope you can see why i have such a strong opinion on the matter. Im sorry if i offended ANYBODY.

Again to the OP, I hope you can "Punish" the owners and get all your bills covered. Maybe the dog could be rehomed to somebody that is familier with the pittbull breed and can work out sme of these issues with him. Best of luck to you and your pup!

So how do you feel about the family trained, wouldnt hurt a fly Pitt that, out of the blue, kills or severly hurts and member of its own family?(usually a small child) This scenario happens time after time. This breed is like a time bomb. You never know from day to day what kind of dog you have. The Pitt could be the most mello, friendly dog for years and then turn on its owners. They are an aggressive breed and due to un-educated "breeders", they continue to breed in aggressive traits. As with all breeds of dogs, the buyer needs to be careful where they get any dog. This is just one of the breeds that I would never recommend. To many well documented aggressive problems with this breed of dog. I wish that more states would ban them, but that only opens a huge can of worms for other breeds.

Yorkiekist- I am going to ignore some of your statements. BUt i would like to point out that Attacks happen by labrador retreivers (as an example) ALL THE TIME. They are known to be "A loving breed" BUt yet nobody takes interest in those attacks because it was made by a lab. KInda like how a Labrador retreiver puppy killed a baby and nobody really made a big deal out of it. Also, I cant count how many times there has been a dog attack and reporters and journalists have used the word Pittbull to spice up the story, while in reality the dog wasnt even a pittbull.. BUt thats fine, keep eating what the media's feeding. Because i feel bad for people who doesnt know the true buety of the breed. Always overlooking the good to get to the bad. I think yorkies are one of the worst breeds of dogs when it comes to temperment towards children. But hey, im not saying that everyone of them thats born should be PTS because of the breed.

Poor little Merlot; the photos are horrifying. I am so sorry for all you have gone thru, and that it will be with you for a long time to come. Thank God the physical wounds are healing.

The owners of the attacking dog should definitely be responsible for all financial costs due to their negligence in containing their dog. I hope you will continue to get sound legal advice and get some justice. I wonder what the owners would do if you sent them a letter requesting reimbursement, and including some photos. If they are willing and able to compensate you, it would perhaps avoid further stress of legal action.

My prayers are with you that you and Merlot will continue to heal from this horrible ordeal.

I think all animals are unpredictable trained or not trained. It should not be taken out on just one breed it can happen with any breed. It just happens to be then when it happens with a pitt its alot worst. I dont believe pitts should be banned, I just think not anyone should be allowed to own one. Just my opinion, I love all animals.

Perfectly stated :) I agree 100%:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: