My dog was killed by another dog – what should I do?

L
Lili_htz Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

I’m posting on here because I’m at my wits' end and just don’t know what to do anymore...

My dog, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, was attacked by another dog while we were out for a walk. It all happened so quickly – there were probably less than twenty minutes between the attack and her passing away at the vet's.

The other owner gave me a fake phone number, so of course, I don't have his details. That said, I’ve spoken to several other dog owners in my neighbourhood who say this dog is a known problem; it has apparently attacked several dogs already and the owner couldn't care less.

My husband and I tried to report it to the police, but the officer wouldn't take a statement. I’m absolutely devastated by every part of this: the fact the dog is clearly aggressive, the fact that THANKFULLY I wasn’t out with my two-year-old son that day as he could have been in my dog's place, the loss of her... I feel like I have no recourse at all.

Does anyone know what I can do to track this owner down? Is there a way to force them to muzzle their dog? I’m not even looking to get the vet bills back or anything – nothing will bring my dog back – I just want our dogs and children to be safe...

Translated from French
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16 answers
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    • S
    Steph_02 Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi, I’ve just come across this post by chance and quite a bit late, I know—three years on... I’ve just been through a similar tragedy myself, so I would have liked to be able to talk to you about it... Best regards
    Translated from French
    S
    Steph_02 Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi everyone,

    I’ve stumbled across this post more or less by chance and quite late, I suppose—3 years later...

    My dog was killed this summer by 3 large dogs, in her own home!!

    We had to go to several different police stations before someone would finally let us file a formal report!!!

    I’m currently looking into my legal options to make these irresponsible people pay; at the moment they’re just going about their lives without a care in the world with their 3 killer dogs—killers of animals, for now anyway...

    So, that’s my situation...

    Kind regards

    Translated from French
    L
    Lorna Icon representing the flag French
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    What’s going on with those officers refusing to take a statement about a fatal attack? If a dangerous dog has killed, legal action definitely needs to be taken. Report it directly to your local council; the Dog Warden can launch an investigation and may even have the dog seized. Make sure you have the vet records and the names and numbers of any witnesses ready for your report. Stay strong, don't give up!
    Translated from French
    P
    Piotr06 Icon representing the flag French
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    I’m so sorry about your dog.

    You can always write to the police or the local council to formally report the facts, especially highlighting that this is a recurring issue. They will be duty-bound to carry out an investigation.

    Translated from French
    Tania28
    Tania28 Icon representing the flag French
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    Good evening

    This is so sad, I can really understand why you’re so distraught.

    The police aren’t actually allowed to refuse to take a report. Tell them you’ll be making a formal complaint to the station commander or the IOPC. Usually, that’s when the police station will change their tune and reconsider their refusal.

    Thinking of you

    Translated from French
    A
    Arjuna Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi Lili, I’m so sorry to bring up such a painful memory, but I was wondering what steps you ended up taking in the end? My little dog, a Jack Russell cross, was attacked on Sunday by three Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs (well, mainly one of them that really mauled her). She also passed away from her injuries at the vet's... I honestly feel like I can’t get over this right now... I tried to report it at the police station, but they told me it wasn’t a criminal matter and that I’d have to take it up with my insurance. I’m absolutely devastated...
    Translated from French
    F
    Fastball83 Icon representing the flag French
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    My heart goes out to you.

    Best wishes,

    Translated from French
    Gigi397
    Gigi397 Icon representing the flag French
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    Oh yes, Arthas, honestly, that one calls for the police and the whole nine yards.

    My Bichon was also attacked a couple of years ago by a Malinois running loose, and the owner was actually laughing!!!!

    My little lad wasn't hurt but he was traumatised. He would shake whenever I picked up his lead. The vet wanted to put him on anti-anxiety meds, which I refused. On a friend’s recommendation, I tried Bach flower remedies instead, and he was back out walking after a week—though not in the place where he was attacked. And that dog is still off the lead even now; she only clips him on when she spots me with my boy.

    The nutcase! After the attack, she just asked if there were any holes in my dog's coat!!!

    If I’d lost my dog, that attacker wouldn’t have got away with it either, I can tell you that for sure. To top it off, she was chatting to what we’ve recently started calling ‘community wardens’—basically people on a back-to-work scheme. They spend all day wandering through the woods to prevent any damage to nature.

    They aren’t armed and they aren’t even allowed to issue fines; they just keep an eye out for anyone causing trouble. And when it actually happened, they didn’t lift a finger to help me stop that Malinois. Is that right, then????

    Gigi397

    Translated from French
    Arthas45
    Arthas45 Icon representing the flag French
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    That’s awful, I’m so sorry about your little dog... stay strong. That guy won’t give a damn until the day his dog gets stabbed while trying to kill another one... I know people who would be capable of that to protect their dog.
    Translated from French
    M
    Mike64 Icon representing the flag French
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    I’m sending you so much strength and courage to get through this and to make sure that completely reckless owner is held accountable. I’ve got a little Cavalier King Charles myself and I’m always wary when I come across dogs I don’t know... and like you said, thank goodness your little man wasn’t with you. Please keep us posted on how everything goes and your next steps.
    Translated from French

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