OT my dog bit two people, Any advise from my virtual friends Options

[Joe Ricard]

I was just approaching my house whenI see some officers walking into my yard. also got a fire truck and ambulance. about a million things go through my head.
I get there and se the dog catcher truck.

Fuck my dogs are out.

I get out of my truck and the officer asks if I have two Dalmations. Uh Oh what they do?
Sir they bit two people. We are trying to catch them in your back yard.

What? I go back there and the to dogs are giving the guy fits. Musta been the big stick with a noose.

The Male 55 pounds and stone deaf is pretty pissed. and his sister 35 pounds is making life difficult to catch also.

I walk into view and point my finger and yell at the female. They stop in thier tracks and sit at attention.

I offer to walk the dogs out to the catcher truck but the officer nooses the male and he come un-glued. Very strong dog was whipping him pretty good.
I picked up the female and carried her while she licked my face.

OK so what do I do? legally. I am not worried about the dogs just getting my ass sued by the victims.

Wife and I pretty much decided the dogs are going to have to go, so that's that.

We are searching the insurance policies to make sure we are covered.

One lady is cool about it and has already said not to worry about it. But .....

The other lady is still in the hospital with big bites on the arm.

[Joe Ricard]

Well If it was me in the 1800's they would be dead already.
But the law is protecting the freaking dogs for the 10 days of quarranteen. Yet I can't see them and the place they are being held is run by the county. I am sure if I choose to keep the dogs I will be facing several vet bills to get them back to health.

If I could have witnessed the incident I would have taken the dogs out back and knocked them both in the head and finished the filling in of the pool.

[Howard]

IMHO...

Sad story to be sure, but don't make it worse by trying to fix it yourself. The authorities will do what they have to, a personal apology to the victims by you and your son, but notify your insurance company right away. They have the lawyers on the payroll already, and it's better than you getting into any disagreements with your neighbors.

[grantsfo]

IMHO...

Sad story to be sure, but don't make it worse by trying to fix it yourself. The authorities will do what they have to, a personal apology to the victims by you and your son, but notify your insurance company right away. They have the lawyers on the payroll already, and it's better than you getting into any disagreements with your neighbors.

Oh damn the voice of reason. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[TravisNeff]

Crap Jake, I just about spit coffee out my nose (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[Joe Ricard]

Thanks Howard.
I have done exactly that. called my insurance co. and got the process to use if things go that way which I am sure they will.

[rhodyguy]

the 10 days is for rabies. or should be. do you proof of a current vacination?

that's why we pay for liability on our homeowners.

k

[aircooledboy]

Colorado seems to have a first bite rule which saved my neighbors dog, so you may not have to put them down.

Most states do. If you had no reason to know they were a risk to others, often the dogs get one pass. I would apologize until I was blue in the face, and try to explain the "deaf dog / dumbass son" factor. Old girls can be pretty understanding when it comes to pets and kids.

Good luck

[watsonrx13]

Joe, put the kid down and get the dogs back....

I'll call you later...

-- Rob

[Joe Ricard]

You mean kick him out?
He has been avoiding me.

[GeorgeRud]

Every county is different in their animal control ordinance, but a ten day quarantine period is pretty standard if the dog's are not current on their rabies vaccination around here. That period is only to protect the person that was bitten, so they hopefully do not have to go through post exposure rabies treatment (very expensive and painful).

Deaf dalmations can be a problem, and it's quite possible that the dog was only startled by the person's actions. Nevertheless, you have to follow the ordinance in your area. The local animal control can tell you the procedures, hopefully they're good people and will let you keep the dogs if this was a first bite situation. Homeowner's insurance should cover you this time, but don't be surprised if your not allowed to renew it when it comes due again. Unfortunately, the insurance companies are getting bad when it comes to dog bites. Too many people playing liability lottery in our courts.

Hang in there, it can be tough if you have to put an animal (and friend) down. I've been a veterinarian for the past 28 years, and have had to be the bad guy pushing the euthanasia solution in situations like this before, it's heartbreaking for everyone concerned.

Look carefully at breeds before getting another dog, the insurance carriers have lists of breeds that they don't want to insure (PitBulls, Rotts, etc.). It's pretty much like the old muscle cars in the 70s - they're the ones calling the shots.