What do I do if the dogs owner refuses to pay for my dogs hospital bills ?

Question

My chihuahua/shitzu (15 pounds, 1year) was attacked by another dog, pit bull. It ran out of the owners backyard and jumper the front fence and ran about 30 yards to my dog and the owner shouted "pick up your dogs". The dog jumped and took my dog out of my hands and locked onto my puppy. He jerked his head back and forth while locked onto my puppy slamming and tossing him for about 45 seconds until the pit bulls owner and myself separated the pitbull. I rushed my dog to the hospital forcing him to stay awake as he lost consciousness and his heart stopped and breathing. Long story short he had to stay in the hospital overnight connected to IV's and on pain medication. The hospital bill was enormous so we went with a different treatment plan that is less but still a lot. The pitbull's owner refuses to pay for the hospital bill when they were at fault for everything. I need help on what to do, I can not afford this at the moment. Who do I call to help resolve this case ?

jadamgrd · Accepted Answer

You file a complaint with the sheriff's or animal control office, then file a lawsuit in small claims court. Pay to have a Marshall deliver the notice to them. (they can refuse a certified letter)

? · Answer

get the police involved right now , give them ALL the details & press charges against the pit bull owners, not having their garden properly  secured so their dog won't escape, failing to keep their dog under proper control,& as a result of THEIR negligence YOU DO have a huge vet bill that is to be paid as a result of their dog ATTACKING yours. Also your vet will provide proof that your dog WAS attacked & needed care. So all this WILL stand up in ANY court of law.

Ocimom · Answer

Contact the police to have a written report.  Get a written report from your vet on what happened, and the bill, and take them to small claims court.  They are 100% at fault and should pay the entire vet bill.

Pamela · Answer

File charges with animal control, and police for the attack.
Take neighbor to small claims court for cost of vet bill and possible pain and suffering for the dog.

Elaine M · Answer

You take him to small claims court.  And you'd win.

Go to a property lawyer and ask for them to draft a letter to the other owner about the hospital bills on their letterhead (this will cost you around $15), it may do the job.

lakelady · Answer

Call the police and file a report. Tell her you're about to get her homeowner's insurance to pay the vet bills. That'll get her to open her wallet.

CDog · Answer

Make sure you make a report to Animal Control and/or the police, if you haven't already. You will probably have to take them to court, though. Best wishes.

JenVT · Answer

Call the police and animal control and report it.

Dobiegal · Answer

take them to court. Animal control was informed of the attack, right? police?

What do I do if the dogs owner refuses to pay for my dogs hospital bills ?

9 Answers