Attack from neighbor's dog - wwyd?

[mamax2]

We live in a very nice neighborhood where *most* of the dogs are leashed and curbed (or behind fences). Some of the people w/lap dogs are a little more careless w/leashing, but that's just an annoyance, not a real problem to me.

One neighbor has a 40ish lb male dog - breed unknown to me. This dog has attacked my dog 3 times. None of these attacks has resulted in medical treatment, but they're still quite scary because they are progressively worse, IMO.

The scenario: I'm walking my dog on leash and 'Buddy' tears out and grabs her from behind. He's growling like mad and generally very aggressive. I fell face first on the pavement, my dog was biting back, etc. The owner was screaming and he got the dog, BUT NEVER SPOKE TO ME!! I said "This is the third time your dog has bitten my dog!" He ignores me. I said "Did you hear me? You're not even going to speak to me?!" And, well, he just totally ignored me.

I really just don't know what to do. I want to file some sort of complaint, but not sure if Animal Control even does that sort of thing, kwim? FWIW, I don't know these particular neighbors, but I could find out their names if necessary. I'd talk to them directly, but they seem to ignore me so far. Any ideas/advice?

[Sophia]

I'd have called animal control after the first incident.

[jennylou]

Call your local dog warden.

[jesvet]

Definitely call Animal Control- make sure these events are documented.

[colleenjoy]

oh how scary, i agree with what the other's have said, call and make a complaint asap. the aggresion seems to be escalating, and you shouldn't have to be afraid to walk your dog.

i have called the dog warden about a dog in my complex. he ran loose all the time and was agressive towards me and my dogs, alongwith others in the complex.

One of the wardens came out and talked to me to find out what was going on, and then went to "re-educate" the other dogs owner about the leash law and how to properly control his animal.

you could always call your local non-emergency police line and see how they suggest handling it.

Hope things get better for you and your puppy.

[Weddings by]

I agree with the other posters. Can you carry something with you while walking the dog--just in case he attacks again--until something changes over there?

[mamax2]

Thank you!

I didn't know if I was over-reacting since it's not like she's been sent to the vet over any of these, but like I said, it's getting worse - he's not even stopping to sniff or anything, just attacks her from behind. And, the owner's behavior is what's really bothering me on this one.

Animal Control is closed until Monday so I'll call back then.

In the meantime, we just won't walk in that section of the neighborhood, Mia's afraid to go that way most of the time anyway, so we'll just stick to the other side of the block.

Thanks again!

[kimbyj]

Since the owner is so rude and doesn't care...Personally, I would call the police. I am sure there is a leash law in your area. Also, if there is an attack the police would notify the dog warder/animal control themselves and that dog would need to be quarantined and the owner would need to show proof of vaccinations. That's how it is in my town.

[kam]

Go to your town's or city's website and look up "nuisance animal" as well as the leash law. Act based on what it says (they usually have both laws in place). In addition, if you have a homeowner's association, contact them as well. If the dog attacks on community property, the last thing they want is to be liable for that attack.

[skyblu]

Wow, unbelievable! That owner sounds like a complete tool.

Honestly? I would call the police. If nothing else, your neighbor is violating your town's leash law.

Good luck, I hope someone can make this boob take his dog's issues more seriously!

[Niobe]

I'd call the police non-emergency line. Either they'll have you file a complaint with them or they'll direct you to the proper agency (animal control or whatever). I would really do something soon before the dog does hurt your pet or another animal. :(

[imagirliegirl]

I'd call the police non-emergency line. Either they'll have you file a complaint with them or they'll direct you to the proper agency (animal control or whatever). I would really do something soon before the dog does hurt your pet or another animal. :(

That's what I would do as well.

[carrie9142]

I gotta tell you, if someone's punk dog attacked mine three times and then completely ingored me, I would probably have gotten in his face about it! WTH? What a jerk.

[mamax2]

I looked up the owners names on the tax record and called the county Animal Control this morning. They're going to go over there and give the owners a 'warning' (whatever that means) and they now have the incident recorded in their files. If it happens again, they'll issue a citation (which I *think* means a fine). Hopefully, the warning will be enough to get these people to control the dog.

I appreciate all the support!

[oneday someday]

Good for you! You SO needed to call Animal Control. The next attack might not end "just ok" for your dog. Sorry for sounding harsh, but this scum bag neighbor of yours (I have harsher adjectives, believe me) doesn't seen to care about the safety of your dog or you so why should you protect him and/or his dog?

[mamax2]

Thought everyone would be glad to know Animal Control paid a prompt visit today. I got a call from the owner (the woman, not the man). Not sure what to think about Animal Control releasing my name and number, but whatever.

She was extremely apologetic, both for her dog and her husband. She said her husband was shaking for 2 hours afterwards, he was in a state of shock, etc. She mentioned something about having ordered an electric collar (not sure if she means an electric fence or shock collar) so her dog doesn't leave their yard. She promised to work with him and train him better, etc. Also learned that there is one other neighborhood dog he doesn't like, but Mia is the only one he's attacked. He's 'friends' with other dark colored labs, so we're not sure why he's got something against my dog.

At any rate, she wasn't angry that I'd called Animal Control, she was very sympathetic and promised that my dog and I would be safe walking by her house. I guess a pretty good outcome considering the circumstances.

[jesvet]

I'm glad she at least took responsibilty and knows you are serious. I had to talk to a neighbor who let their dog aggressive dog roam free in our area- I live at the end of a cul de sac and I couldn't leave with my dogs if he was outside. She had the nerve to tell me I must not like dogs...I was like, lady, you have no friggin idea. :rolleyes: Hopefully this is a big wake up call for the owner.

[coquelicot]

Sounds like at least the wife has some common sense. Maybe there won't be a need for another call to AC. I hope this is the end of it for you.

I can totally sympathize with your situation. My neighbors have a rat terrier (I think) that likes to come up behind my 65-pound mutt and bark and lunge at her totally unprovoked. I usually put myself between him and her and yell loudly so hopefully the neighbors will notice (I've almost had to kick him before to get him off her). Thankfully, he's usually only off-leash when they're outside as well, so they're quick about coming over, scooping him up, and apologizing. This has happened twice, but hasn't happened in a while, so maybe they got the hint that they need to control their dog. I might have to follow your lead and call someone should it happen again. AC, I guess, but unless you call 8-5, all you get is voice mail.