Introduce yourself

[jraphi]

Hi. My name is Judi and my fur child's name is Quigley. I cook for him but also feed him dry food-Abady New York which is Rice and Lamb. Any thoughts on the subject? Oh Quigley is a 5 1/2 yr old male Sheltie. He is a naughty sweet boy and we adore him!
About 3 weeks ago, he broke away from my husband and ran over to a GIANT AKITA who proceeded to maul him. He had to have emergency surgery (10-12 bites, stitches, drains, meds etc.)but is recovering now. Animal Control won't/can't do anything about the Akita since he was on leash in the owners hand. Q had his leash on too but it slipped out of my husband's hand.
My question: Is there anything we can do? The owner never even came forward to even ask if Q was OK,no less offer to help with the hefty expenses. The emergency vet said I was lucky to still have my dog alive-he could have been killed.
I would like the dog to be muzzled at the least. What if this was a child that had run up to him?!?
My husband wants retribution. Do we have a leg to stand on legally?
Thanks. Sorry to be going on and on-venting.

[Lee at Delayre]

Under the law dogs must be on leash with a handler that is able to be in full control. Your dog was clearly not under control otherwise even if the dog got away it should have come when called. Your dog was the cause of the fight even if he wanted to play. If the Akita had to have Vet care you would be liable for the bill. If the owner had
in anyway been injured in the fight (even bitten by her own dog ) you would be held liable. BTW if you go to doggie off leash parks and a fight starts all parties have assumed the risk that dogs will fight and no one is liable for any injuries human and animal. You each would pay for your own medical and Veterinary care .

If your dog had been on a retractable leash where they can go 20 feet away from you , you would also be liable. Those leashes give you 0 control and all leash law state no longer than a 6 foot leash. I would recommend that you not bother the Akita's owner or the owner may come after you (in court ) I would also sign up for obedience training


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[mia]

Yes, Lee said it all. I'm so sorry that your little Sheltie got mauled but it is the owners total responsibility to have their dog under control at all times. Thats just the way it is.
Mia

[Sarah]

I agree with Lee. I also agree that you should put your dog in obedience class if for nothing else but to have him learn to come when called. I would also suggest that you socialize your dog with other dogs, such as in a doggie day care situation, but not before he is obedient, the reason why is the energy your dog has, which is friendly, is being taken the wrong way by other dogs and the mauling can take place again.

[jude09]

I agree, unfortunately, it was your dog who approached the Akita Judi and the damages done to your dog
wouldn't have happened if he was kept under control.

I'm in no way saying that this is your or your husband's fault but this is certainly an accident.