I have two dogs, Zoé (18 months old) and Bidouille (7 years old), who aren't spayed and are kept tied up in my yard (the landlords won't pay the costs to install a gate).
I live in a tiny village of 50 people and for a while now, a male dog (probably a spaniel) has been roaming the streets because his owners (who live about 500 yards from us) aren't keeping him in.
The thing is, Zoé is in season at the moment.
Because of that, yesterday, this male spent the whole day mounting my dog (10 to 15 times during the day). Every time I tried to shoo him away, the damage was already done!
I then spotted him mating Bidouille, a little Beagle!!
Today, I'm worried that both my dogs will have litters that I won't be able to cope with.
I know the owner's name and address but I want to find out about my legal options before I go to see him.
Can I report this? Who is responsible if there's a litter?
What should I do if they are pregnant? Have them terminated or hand the puppies over to the male's owners? Can he be made to pay for the vet fees for the termination? etc....
I specifically chose two females so I wouldn't have any trouble, and they are tied up, so I'm actually really fuming. If I go to see the owners now, I think I'll lose my temper and things will escalate.
So if you have any info, I'd really appreciate it!
Thanks in advance for your help!
Translated from French
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I don’t take that as a criticism at all, but PERSONALLY it would never even cross my mind to leave my two girls tied up while I’m out—especially when they’re in season—even if it’s just for a trip to the shops or something...
I’ve had a female dog before and, until she was SPAYED, she was never left alone in the garden, especially when she was in season... even with a fenced-in garden... it’s just common sense...
I have no intention of getting them neutered, especially not just because of some dog that has no business being on my property in the first place!!!
I just want to know what the law says!
Does anyone have any links where I can find out what everyone's legal responsibilities are in this kind of situation?
And you’re right Titain, that’s often the way it goes, but my neighbours have tipped me off before—for instance, when some kids were throwing stones at my dogs all day long... So, you know how it is..
I’m not criticising you, Coco, but she’s made sure her dogs aren’t roaming and can at least enjoy part of the garden while she’s out, which isn’t a bad idea in itself. Plus, Aloha isn’t allowed to fence off the property because her landlord has forbidden it, and the landlord is entitled to check the state of the place once a year (with her there, obviously). Reading through the comments from the start, you’d think the owner of the male dog roaming around her place was in the right and perfectly entitled to act like that.
I honestly don't know how people with dogs in a flat manage when they're working 8 hours a day, and that's not even counting the commute... a dog *can* hold it in...
My dog lived in a flat for 16 years and I worked from 8 am until 7 pm or even 8 pm, and he never once had an accident in the house.
So how did I manage then? Ooh, what a terrible person I am... animal cruelty, obviously...
It’s also strongly advised against letting your dog roam free, as you remain fully liable for any damage they might cause, whether you’re there or not. The fact that they’ve managed to escape doesn’t reduce the owner's responsibility, even if they try to claim it does.
From a strictly legal perspective, keeping them tied up is a good thing as it proves these dogs aren't the ones causing the issues. Regarding the property not being secure—if @aloha has it in writing from the landlord explicitly stating that she isn't allowed to put up a proper fence, that should clear her of liability.
There’s a real issue here. You don’t leave two bitches in season tied up in an unfenced garden, especially not unsupervised... To be honest, you shouldn't really be tethering your dog in your own garden in the first place... and as for breeding at 7 years old, that’s a brilliant idea... (sarcastic)...
I wasn't in, but when I got home he was still there!! Anyway, there’s no risk of him being stolen; I’m surrounded by nosy retired neighbours who are always glued to their windows. And @Gwash, even if there are bitches in season, if all owners just kept their dogs under control, there wouldn't be any issues!
Those are exactly the kind of neighbours who claim they didn't see a thing whenever something happens and witnesses are needed.
