Advice after dog attack

Submitted by MeanFluffyBunny t3_ydk2h7 in Maine

I live in the greater Bangor area. Me and my dog were out walking on a public road when my neighbors off leash dog attacked her. She has 6 puncture wounds/gashes and is currently waiting to be seen by the vet. I’m new to the region. I’ve taken four walks with my dog, and twice this dog has attacked us. It also comes onto my property. My neighbor seemingly doesn’t care.

I’m certainly not paying for these vet bills. Im also sketched out by the idea of going into his property and telling him to pay for the bills and to keep his dog off my land. I’ve only spoken to him once, and he seemed jealous of my property.

Should I file a police report? What could they do? I’m not sure what to do, but I need to do something.

Here’s one of her wounds for perspective

https://i.imgur.com/SRrwjf4.jpg

Update: she has 8 wounds, including one in her ass. Also a fractured leg. Jesus fucking Christ.

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Comments

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iceflame1211 t1_itsrg6v wrote

1000% police report... before the loose dog kills another, or a kid. Perhaps they've been called about the dog prior.

Sorry about your shitty neighbor.

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Lulubelle2021 t1_itsrdmr wrote

Police report and call animal control. They will take action. You may be able to file for your expenses in small claims court without a lawyer.

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RealBlondeFakeBags t1_itso3jf wrote

I’m not a lawyer but I think you may need one. I think it would be a good idea to file a police report but I’m not sure.

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Prestigious-Fox-7842 t1_itso9vq wrote

I would absolutely file a report with the police. It would seem as though you have a dangerous dog living in your neighborhood and this needs to be reported. Maine has leash laws for public roads. I would guess if it hasn’t happened already, it’s only a matter of time before a person gets attacked.

I hope your dog is okay and I’m really sorry this happened to them. It’s a terrifying ordeal.

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MeanFluffyBunny OP t1_itsttrw wrote

It was almost a full minute of my dog being mauled. I was about to shoot the other dog but my girl was able to knock the other dog over and fight back. The fucking neighbor comes out right after it was done and says “it’s ok, she’s just mouthy”.

I’m def filing a police report tomorrow am. Do you think he will know I filed one?

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gracelandcat t1_itsv2fc wrote

Yes, he'll be notified. As he should be. His dog was not under his control when it attacked your dog. He should be fined and he should volunteer to pay for your dog's vet bills. It's state law that a dog be vaccinated for rabies and, with a current vaccination, it's law that the dog be registered in the town in which it resides. You need to know if the dog has current vaccinations. If it isn't vaccinated and registered, those are two additional violations. I hope your dog is okay and I wish you good luck .

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MeanFluffyBunny OP t1_itswa1u wrote

Can he be forced to pay the vet bills?

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tycam01 t1_itsyfsk wrote

Have to take him to small claims

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Fireonpoopdick t1_ittd9hi wrote

Get all receipts and police reports, you need to go through official channels with these yahoos, pay the vet now and make this garbage pay later

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NoriDog22 t1_itu0w5w wrote

If he is charged with dangerous or nuisance dog vet bills can be part of the court ordered restitution. And yes 100% call the police and talk to the animal control officer. (Animal control officer here. Not for Bangor though. )

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gracelandcat t1_itwebuj wrote

As others have commented, he might be forced to pay if he is cited with violations. Or, you may have to take him to small claims court. But you definitely need to file a police report, file a report with your city's animal control officer, and keep a paper/photo trail of everything. Good luck.

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waterson2022 t1_itxbrpx wrote

Glad to hear you were armed, especially if the aggressive dog decided to attack you, there's no reason to hold back at that point, and you'd being doing everyone a favor.

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Mergus84 t1_itu8ih9 wrote

"Just mouthy"? This person is delusional, and a bad owner. You're doing the right thing filing a report.

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MeanFluffyBunny OP t1_ituo1bl wrote

His fucking dog was in my yard this am. I literally have to carry a gun in my own yard. Waiting for the sheriff as we speak. Not fucking around with this asshole.

https://i.imgur.com/zwV737S.jpg

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AssumptionLivid6879 t1_ituwdeu wrote

Call animal control to collect that “lab-mix”

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MeanFluffyBunny OP t1_iu0bw3b wrote

Animal control is still MIA. I’ve called 7 times and explained to them my dog nearly died, the offending dog shit in my yard yesterday and I fear for my safety on my property. Nbd I guess. I think I should call state police if no one reaches out to me in the next hour

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Shh-NotUntilMyCoffee t1_iu026dw wrote

Don't breed blame. Its not the breed its the owners every time.

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DobermanCavalry t1_iu224ow wrote

I’m hoping this is sarcasm but its so hard to tell….

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Shh-NotUntilMyCoffee t1_iu48wec wrote

Here are the organizations that agree Breed Specific Laws are bullshit;

>American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, the ASPCA, the CDC, the American Bar Association, the American Kennel Club, the National Animal Care & Control Association, the National Canine Research Council, the Humane Society.

So no, not sarcasm. Imagine disagreeing with this group on animal laws and right.

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DobermanCavalry t1_iu4mfnn wrote

Did you actually read any of those? Most of them say it does not work because you cant effectively identify what breed a dog is visually in all cases. That CDC link in particular said Pit Bull/Rottweilers accounted for over half all fatalities. Two breeds, HALF of all fatalities. There are hundreds of breeds of dogs....

Listen, I love dogs, but theres only one type of dog that you see in the news that is killing multiple kids, and ripping the arms of mothers who try to intervene. Its not Dobermans (who actually are misunderstood and are safe dogs), its not Akitas, its not Golden Retrievers or Chihuahuas. So yeah, people can continue saying "its AlwaYs the owNeR" but you don't see Great Danes snapping and killing multiple kids and parents.

Are Pit Bulls the only dogs who have bad owners?

https://time.com/2891180/kfc-and-the-pit-bull-attack-of-a-little-girl/

>Pit bulls make up only 6% of the dog population, but they’re responsible for 68% of dog attacks and 52% of dog-related deaths since 1982, according to research compiled by Merritt Clifton, editor of Animals 24-7, an animal-news organization that focuses on humane work and animal-cruelty prevention.

>Another report published in the April 2011 issue of Annals of Surgery found that one person is killed by a pit bull every 14 days, two people are injured by a pit bull every day, and young children are especially at risk. The report concludes that “these breeds should be regulated in the same way in which other dangerous species, such as leopards, are regulated.”

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Shh-NotUntilMyCoffee t1_iu55r2f wrote

No actually, the CDC says the misreporting of breeds makes pitbulls and Rottweilers abnormally higher in their statistics. Please go read it again, as the CDC specifically states it is against BLS.

CDC doesn’t gather the statistics, they analyze them. They’re pointing out that human bias ruins the data leading to incorrect conclusions on breeds.

If you can’t understand the study - apparently - you can read the analysis from one of the other major organizations.

Again, fault of the owner. Not the breeds.

> The CDC strongly recommends against breed-specific laws in its oft-cited study of fatal dog attacks, noting that data collection related to bites by breed is fraught with potential sources of error (Sacks et al., 2000).

As the American Veterinarian Medical Association explains;

> It is not possible to calculate a bite rate for a breed or to compare rates between breeds because the data reported is often unreliable. This is because:

>The breed of a biting dog is often not known or is reported inaccurately. The actual number of bites that occur in a community is not known, especially if they don't result in serious injury. The number of dogs of a particular breed or combination of breeds in a community is not known because it is rare for all dogs in a community to be licensed. Statistics often do not consider multiple incidents caused by a single animal. Breed popularity changes over time, making comparison of breed-specific bite rates unreliable. However a review of the research that attempts to quantify the relation between breed and bite risk finds the connection to be weak or absent, while responsible ownership variables such as socialization, neutering and proper containment of dogs are much more strongly indicated as important risk factors

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DobermanCavalry t1_iu57jxy wrote

I'll ask again, are Pit Bulls the only dogs with bad owners? How do you reconcile that they overwhelmingly hurt more people than other dogs? Just bad luck?

>Injuries from Pitbull's and mixed breed dogs were both more frequent and more severe.

Essig GF Jr, Sheehan C, Rikhi S, Elmaraghy CA, Christophel JJ. Dog bite injuries to the face: Is there risk with breed ownership? A systematic review with meta-analysis. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2019 Feb;117:182-188. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2018.11.028. Epub 2018 Nov 29. PMID: 30579079.

>Attacks by Pit Bull Terriers are more likely to cause severe morbidity than other breeds of dogs.

Harnarayan P, Islam S, Ramsingh C, Naraynsingh V. Pit Bull attack causing limb threatening vascular trauma -A case series. Int J Surg Case Rep. 2018;42:133-137. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2017.11.061. Epub 2017 Dec 8. PMID: 29245098; PMCID: PMC5730392.

>Pit-bull type was the most frequently implicated breed (27%)

Morzycki A, Simpson A, Williams J. Dog bites in the emergency department: a descriptive analysis. CJEM. 2019 Jan;21(1):63-70. doi: 10.1017/cem.2018.2. Epub 2018 Mar 1. PMID: 29490720.

>Pet dogs were responsible for 42% of injuries, and pit bull was the most-identified breed (36.2%).

Abraham JT, Czerwinski M. Pediatric Dog Bite Injuries in Central Texas. J Pediatr Surg. 2019 Jul;54(7):1416-1420. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2018.09.022. Epub 2018 Oct 31. PMID: 30473254.

>Attacks by pit bulls are associated with higher morbidity rates, higher hospital charges, and a higher risk of death than are attacks by other breeds of dogs.

Bini JK, Cohn SM, Acosta SM, McFarland MJ, Muir MT, Michalek JE; TRISAT Clinical Trials Group. Mortality, mauling, and maiming by vicious dogs. Ann Surg. 2011 Apr;253(4):791-7. doi: 10.1097/SLA.0b013e318211cd68. PMID: 21475022.

> The most common breed of dog identified was pit bull (n = 29, 47.5%).

Lee CJ, Santos PJF, Vyas RM. Epidemiology, Socioeconomic Analysis, and Specialist Involvement in Dog Bite Wounds in Adults. J Craniofac Surg. 2019 May/Jun;30(3):753-757. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000005201. PMID: 30845083.

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AssumptionLivid6879 t1_iu5r29d wrote

All dogs were bred for very specific purposes.

Heelers bred for cattle. Newfoundlands and labradors for fowl hunting. Bloodhounds for scent tracking. Shepards for herding. Huskies and malamutes for sled towing. Hell Chihuahuas were bred specifically to listen for coyotes.

Pitbulls? Blood sport

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AssumptionLivid6879 t1_iu53hr4 wrote

Did you not actually read you own links? CDC link literally says pitbulls/Rottweilers contribute to 50% of fatalities

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Shh-NotUntilMyCoffee t1_iu54cow wrote

O you poor summer child, please go actually read the whole thing;

> The CDC strongly recommends against breed-specific laws in its oft-cited study of fatal dog attacks, noting that data collection related to bites by breed is fraught with potential sources of error (Sacks et al., 2000). Specifically, the authors of this and other studies cite the inherent difficulties in breed identification (especially among mixed-breed dogs) and in calculating a breed’s bite rate given the lack of consistent data on breed population and the actual number of bites occurring in a community, especially when the injury is not deemed serious enough to require treatment in an emergency room (Sacks et al., 2000; AVMA, 2001; Collier, 2006). Supporting the concern regarding identification, a recent study noted a significant discrepancy between visual determination of breed and DNA determination of breed (Voith et al., 2009).

The study points out specifically that it’s data is completely wrong, and recommends against Breed Specific Laws - attributing the issue to human error from unwarranted bias against specific breeds.

Now go read the other links too instead of cherry picking for a Hail Mary.

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AssumptionLivid6879 t1_iu5q72o wrote

Looks like someone else did the work in another thread Please just donate money to help those attacked by “bad owners”.

I can’t even imagine how much good you could do to the world if you spent your energy helping others over defending breeds of animals that were biologically groomed to kill both humans and dogs.

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mommamcmomface t1_itvqa7i wrote

That dog should be under mandatory quarantine. At least for 10 days. Since the owner cannot control their dog, they will end up having to register it as “dangerous”. (This will be ordered by the court). The owner will have to formally register the dog as a dangerous animal, post signs on their property, muzzle the dog and keep in on a lead of no more than 3 feet when off property, notify the sheriff and animal control whenever it is loose, if outside and on property, the dog must be contained by a six foot fence. They may require it’s assessed by a animal behaviorist and undergo mandatory training. However, if that dog is on your property, without being under the control of its owner, you are 100% within your right to dispatch the animal. I’m sorry you’re going through this. I hope it all works out for you.

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JuggernautTasty3791 t1_itze7be wrote

Shoot it. It’s on private property and has already attacked.

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Baisemoncul t1_iu25yam wrote

Don’t shoot the head, they need it for rabies testing. With the documentation you have, you are well within your rights to kill it on YOUR PROPERTY! The consequence may well be retaliation on their part. It’s a two edged sword.

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Impooter t1_itunltb wrote

Extremely dangerous dog owner. They are keeping an aggressive dog off a leash... It's a tragedy waiting to happen, could be a child next. It sucks because I'm sure they love their dog and genuinely don't belive its aggressive, but it has to stop.

That said, definitely take pictures of the dog off leash if you can, and present them to the police. Get video, if possible, of any altercation. It's your word against theirs unfortunately, and you need evidence if you are going to court.

You should be free to walk your dog without that risk.

Really sorry to hear about your dog, but glad she was able to defend herself, a lot of times it's very one-sided and "over" quickly...

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FITM-K t1_ituz9ou wrote

> The fucking neighbor comes out right after it was done and says “it’s ok, she’s just mouthy”.

I swear, they always say this kind of shit. I got bit by an unleashed dog while running, no owner in sight, so I just yelled "CONTROL YOUR FUCKING DOG" and kept going with my run.

About 5 mins later the dog's owner chased me down in the car to apologize and assure me that the dog "would never bite."

She was pretty surprised when I showed her the rip in my pants and the bite marks.

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eljefino t1_itvdy1i wrote

I had a dog biting me in the nads in a public street.

I yelled at the owner, right there, "CALL OFF YOUR DOG."

They told me I "set her off" by yelling. They are the heroes in their own world.

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RealBlondeFakeBags t1_itw5k75 wrote

I don’t understand people who act like this. I have a dog who is the sweetest and has never acted aggressive towards myself or anyone else. Even when a friends toddler tried to take his food bowl he just sat there patiently waiting for the kid to give it back. STILL I make sure he is leashed or fenced at all times outside. I can’t read his mind. Something could make him react or snap. I don’t want to be responsible if someone gets hurt. I don’t want him to get hurt either! I don’t even bring him to dog parks anymore because I’ve seen too many people bring their obviously aggressive dogs there with no regard for what might happen.

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SyntheticCorners28 t1_itubpk5 wrote

You should have shot it. Put an end to it quick.

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MeanFluffyBunny OP t1_ituo88d wrote

Hindsight I wish I did. I didn’t realize the damage that was being done and I was worried he might come out with a gun.

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Zephyr4813 t1_itutnrt wrote

Some good mace could be effective while also being less drastic and legally complicated.

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Wyatt_Earth t1_itwoih5 wrote

Mace will not stop a real dog fight. Shooting a dog that is attacking you or your property is not legally complicated.

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Zephyr4813 t1_itxba8b wrote

I've seen videos of mace working on a real dog fight. Discharging a firearm is a big deal and can endanger bystanders, could be within city limits, etc. Your dog is your property and not your life and it absolutely can be legally complicated. Stop talking out of your ass.

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Wyatt_Earth t1_ity138j wrote

If mace worked, it wasn't a real dog fight.

People think a lot of noise and drama is a "dog fight" and have never seen or had to break up a real one.

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cathar_here t1_itvtphu wrote

I would have shot the dog at about the 10 second mark, but that's just me

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MeanFluffyBunny OP t1_itvwnlw wrote

I was being indecisive. I didn’t realize the full extent of the damage that the dog was inflicting, and I was worried that the neighbor would come out with a gun too. I wish I shot the dog in hindsight. My girl got fucked up.

I just got done with the Sheriff, he advised me to not step foot on this guys property. Do everything through animal control/certified mail. He also basically told me to shoot the dog if it steps foot on my property or comes after me in the road. Don’t wait for it to attack.

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YolksOnU t1_itw5vge wrote

I have to carry a gun in my own yard too because of a neighbor's off-leash dangerous breed dogs that they refuse to control. I love dogs, hell, critters in general, but I'm not taking any chances with the lives of my loved ones. It bites, it dies.

If I were you, I would consult with a lawyer regarding a civil suit for damages such as emotional distress and loss of quiet enjoyment. Your security camera footage is very useful showing a dangerous dog on your property, which is emotionally distressing, causing anxiety, fear, and loss of enjoyment of your property, right?

Because take it from me, these people aren't going to control their dog, they aren't going to move, and they aren't going to put up a fence at their cost to contain their dangerous animal unless you make them.

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MeanFluffyBunny OP t1_itw8zhp wrote

I’ve spoken with the sheriff today, he basically said to shoot the dog if it comes onto my property or if it runs at me off leash in the road. Still waiting for animal control to show up, they are 5 hours late…

I am going down the civil suit road if he refuses to pay up ($1100 for the first vet visit, will need two more visits and possibly another surgery). I have a feeling he won’t tho. The sheriff also advised me to handle all contact with this man through animal control and certified mail, not to step foot on his property.

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YolksOnU t1_itw9hr3 wrote

They won't. People like that don't do what they're supposed to do in any way shape or form, which is why they have a dog that attacks other dogs running around at large to begin with.

Don't wait for them to do the right thing, make them do the right thing. Because they won't otherwise. Don't even give them the opportunity to disregard this.

Sound advice from law enforcement at least.

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Wyatt_Earth t1_itwo3o3 wrote

You had a gun and didn't shoot that thing? I hope you learned that lesson!

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MeanFluffyBunny OP t1_itwqsuo wrote

I was definitely indecisive. My main concern was the other dogs owner hearing the shot, comes outside and sees that I killed his dog, and then shoots me. I only had a 5 shot revolver and who knows what he’s packing.

In hindsight I wish I shot the dog and then gtfo of there. Even then, we live 200 feet apart and he can see my house through the trees.

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Wyatt_Earth t1_ity16gn wrote

Understandable. Next time - because there WILL be a next time - don't hesitate.

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Guygan t1_itsqu70 wrote

Police report and get a lawyer

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Lulubelle2021 t1_itt3n4g wrote

Here's the contact information for animal control in Bangor ME. Contact them ASAP. Go care for your pup first though. https://www.bangormaine.gov/content/318/354/1138/default.aspx

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MeanFluffyBunny OP t1_ituok7t wrote

Done and done. Waiting on the boys in blue as we speak. Although they are already late.

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Lulubelle2021 t1_ituovbc wrote

How is your pup? Friend here at home had her dog killed by a dangerous dog. She took them to small claims and got everything back. The dog was returned to the owner by animal control with a requirement that the dog be tethered, leashed, and muzzled at all times when outside.

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MeanFluffyBunny OP t1_itur110 wrote

https://i.imgur.com/iWFQKVW.jpg

She’s VERY sad but she’s going to make a full recovery.

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tippydog90 t1_itx8n3r wrote

I am so sorry to hear about your dog. Those are some nasty puncture wounds. Just wanted to mention that punctures abcess very easily. What happens is the skin heals over the top while the wound inside heals much more slowly. Keep a very close eye on them and watch for redness, puffiness, and heat. Sending healing thoughts.

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MeanFluffyBunny OP t1_itx9iun wrote

Thanks! I’m keeping a close eye on them. The worst one (according to the vet) is a puncture right at the base of her tail. They need to leave it open to drain and I need to peel the scabs off as they form so it heals from the inside out. Apparently it will get infected if I don’t do that and she will “lose all the skin on her butt”.

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tippydog90 t1_itxcp6b wrote

Yes, keep them open as they heal. Warm compresses help with that. Also there are ointments vets can give you to pack the wound with that help with tissue granulation, but with a dog that is difficult because they tend to lick their wounds when they can reach them. I had a sheep once with a deep abcess and the tissue granulation ointment worked really well. Watch for flies too, I hate to say.... You definitely don't want them near those wounds.

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bern_trees t1_itt3tzz wrote

Call the police and explain the dog has already attacked your dog and presents a threat to you and your family. They will send an officer. I recently went through something similar and the owner of the attacking dog was court mandated to keep the dog on a leash at all times while in public. She refused, I called again and the dog was removed from her ownership. It’s important to remember that the animal may not be to blame in this situation. I was raised training and hunting with dogs and my father also said “There’s no such thing ad a bad dog. Just bad training.”

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Wyatt_Earth t1_itwosm6 wrote

Um, it's an aggressive and dangerous dog that tried to kill another animal unprovoked. It's a BAD DOG.

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kryptic319 t1_itsytci wrote

First I'm sorry this happened to you and your dog!! I would file a report and report it to animal control. You can take him to court for the cost as he should absolutely pay for your dogs vets bills!!

Also this is coming from someone who's dog attacked someone's dog walking on our road, his collar had died, he left the yard and attacked a dog who's family was walking it I was HORRIFIED I loaded the mom, daughter and wounded dog into my car and we immediately drove to an emergency vet and the dad met us there later with their vehicle. I paid all costs upfront, we did have to quarantine our dog because they rightfully reported it to animal control. We had to prove our dog had his rabies vaccine too. The dog was OK a puncture wound that required a few stitches and thankfully that was all.

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Wyatt_Earth t1_itwoltx wrote

Hopefully you learned not to try to keep a dog in an electric fence, and put up a real fence.

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kryptic319 t1_itx1g5q wrote

I ended up leaving with my kids a few months later and he kept the dog(s) they were his before... but no fence was never put up it was an HOA and wasn't allowed anyway

I still feel awful that happened to that family and did my best to make right at the time

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fredezz t1_itt5pw6 wrote

You would be smart to report the incident ASAP... Further delays will only give your shitty neighbor an opportunity To plan his defense...and as happened to me, the dog owner claimed I provoked the attack and I was interrogated by the police.

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HIncand3nza t1_itubpz7 wrote

Just to add to this, the police always talk to the dog owner first. So be prepared to have to debunk some serious BS. If you yourself are a reasonable person, ask yourself “what kind of person would I need to call animal control against”.

I’ve called animal control on someone who left their dog in their yard just screaming at the wind for hours, when it was extremely obvious it just wanted to go inside, and the owner claimed I had threatened them and their dog. Complete piece of shit person

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DUBLH t1_iturgr2 wrote

OP said in another comment they have security footage so should be pretty cut and dry hopefully

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SGI256 t1_itsu3ez wrote

Open carry. If a dog attacks. Shoot it.

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MeanFluffyBunny OP t1_itsuq3m wrote

I conceal carry when I’m outside my house bc of this dog. I’d rather open carry my full sized pistol but I worry that could escalate things.

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ThrillHouseofMirth t1_ittcpdl wrote

Personally I wouldn't open carry for the reason you stated. A police officer friend of mine heartily recommends mace for dealing with dogs.

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Bywater t1_itw1skp wrote

Let it. Sometimes that is the only thing that people understand.

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gracelandcat t1_itsvb62 wrote

And if you don't want to carry a gun, carry a can of wasp spray. It can disable an attacker (human or canine) from 20 feet away.

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DistanceSuper3476 t1_itsvgl0 wrote

File a police report and call animal control for sure and send this jerk the vet bill ! and talk to a personal injury lawyer also in Maine you have the right to shoot an animal attacking you

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nogzila t1_ittgdkk wrote

First call a cop and file a police report so they can go talk to this guy also.

2nd start Carrying some form of mace or even bear foam . A lot of people will respond how could you but it’s better then anybody being hurt you or the Dog or your dog.

Spray across the face from eye to eye is all it takes.

I don’t always carry a gun with me but I mostly have Saber red or freeZe plus p on me and in both my cars. My wife carry’s it also and I will tell my kids to carry it when they start driving and such .

It’s not an answer to all problems but it is mostly a safe method to defend yourself .

Somebody on serious drugs it might not effect much … it doesn’t beat a gun by any means . Easier to use then you would expect .

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mommamcmomface t1_ittfl7p wrote

Call animal control in the morning. Your neighbors dog will have to be quarantined because of the injuries for 10 days. Depending on the severity, that dog may be registered as a nuisance or, I’m going to guess from the picture, will have to be registered as a “dangerous” animal. your neighbor will have to go to court (animal control will file a report along with the PD). Once you have that together, file a claim with your homeowners insurance (if you have it). They will go after your neighbor (or insurance) for damages. This part is easier if you go through an attorney, honestly. (Source: just went through the same thing with my pup). Best of luck to you and I hope your pup makes a full recovery.

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crowislanddive t1_itt4a4u wrote

Call the police for sure and animal control.

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Ok-Tomatillo-4455 t1_itt5d6p wrote

Yeah. That isn't just a scratch, that is a whole entire injury. Animal control needs to be contacted, because the dog might not even have shots, and definitely call the cops. That dog is DANGEROUS.

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lordbobbyhill t1_itt2v77 wrote

Or you could shoot the guys dog…just a thought

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OriginalGordol t1_itth4pe wrote

Police report, animal control, probably a lawyer for the civil suit you'll be filing for damages (aka the vet bills, mental anguish, etc).

Key question: At any time, were you afraid the dog would attack YOU?

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Mor_Ericks28 t1_itsyld3 wrote

Get a lawyer. There are leash laws for a reason

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Vegan-Cheez t1_itt00p2 wrote

Definitely file a police report and call the local Animal Control Officer. I would look into a lawyer or maybe it can be handled in small claims court for the bills? I'm sorry your pup had to go through this! What can you do to make sure you don't encounter that dog with her again?

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sixfootskunkplant t1_itt27yu wrote

Call the police and file a report. Then call animal control and file a report.

Then file charges and sue.

Best of luck with this. I'd not be so measured as you are...that dog would already be dead if it were me.

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MontEcola t1_itt3fh0 wrote

File a police report. Contact animal control, or what ever it is called in your area. With each call, also ask who else you should be contacting.

And ask the vet to give your a print out to use in your legal case against the neighbor.

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DiscussionStatus4939 t1_ittbdkz wrote

Police report!! 1,000%. Sounds like the other dog had intent to kill yours and with nonchalant owners to boot. I am so sorry this happened to you and your poor pup. Wishing a speedy recovery and some fucking justice.

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Candygramformrmongo t1_ittewdz wrote

This a-hole neighbor’s homeowners insurance should cover it. Call police. File report. Submit vet bill to neighbor and tell him if he doesn’t pay up you’ll get a a lawyer and file a claim on his homeowners insurance.

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Baisemoncul t1_iu26fpo wrote

This is often overlooked! Nice thing about this is their homeowner insurance will drop them after a claim is made.

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Yourbubblestink t1_ituqyta wrote

Animal control officer in Bangor doesn’t play games. File a police report and have this looked into before someone gets hurt

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IndecisiveKitten t1_itwfp4j wrote

>https://i.imgur.com/fqry2dl.jpg

I wish more ACOs in Maine were that way, used to work in shelters and I feel like a majority of them don't give a fuck and I genuinely wonder why they work the job they do if they aren't going to perform their basic job functions.

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linuxknight t1_itv4x9f wrote

I hear there is some guy up north that just shoots rowdy dogs.

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ThrillHouseofMirth t1_ittc7nc wrote

File a police report. This person seems dangerous and deranged. Watch your back. I'm terribly sorry for what you're going through.

I'm no lawyer, but it seems to me that the law would have been very much on your side had you decided to shoot.

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Smokin77 t1_itu44in wrote

Police report, lawyer, lawsuit. I hope your girl is gonna be okay🙏

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lookiamonredditnow t1_itu60rm wrote

This is one where you have to do something. That could be some kid's face next time.

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VegUltraGirl t1_itudlmb wrote

Police report and a lawyer! This dog is dangerous and they are responsible for the damage he’s done. Maine has leash laws!

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DiscoRichard t1_ituin7m wrote

Hi! I have terrible neighbors too. It won’t get better. File reports and keep copies of everything.

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dreamsthebigdreams t1_itulu6u wrote

No matter what happens I would pay for my dogs well being. If your dog is injured you need to get it medical attention.

Fuck waiting for them. You pay now then get your money back later.

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MeanFluffyBunny OP t1_ituqtij wrote

I took her immediately to Camden (only place open). 1100 for the first bill, I will need at least 2 follow ups and possibly one more surgery

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kjm1968 t1_ituzjh6 wrote

Report ,lawyer, sue him

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Beasagdeux t1_itwwd2j wrote

Sorry.. got to do the police report. No one wants to.. but that's twice too many times.

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hgreenleaf17 t1_itx52xx wrote

I tried to read as many comments as I could. Obviously the sheriff is correct, all contact thru them and AC. Shoot the dog if need be. HOWEVER, you may be able to avoid litigation… Have the AC or sheriff get the home owners insurance info, file a claim thru them. You may even be able to have your Insurance pay and go after the owner to collect.

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greeneman05 t1_itt18bg wrote

What town did this happen in? I like to know if there's a potentially mean dog nearby.

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guy56542277 t1_ituqnu6 wrote

I would call a personal injury attorney and file a police report.

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riefpirate t1_itvcemk wrote

Let the legal system handle it stay away from that person at all costs.

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flowerwoman333 t1_itvjput wrote

Oh I am so very sorry for you and your pup. She surely didn’t deserve this. Those are a lot of injuries….agree to everything above. I would be FURIOUS, and I’m sure that you are. I hope she makes a full recovery …and btw, Dr Bach’s Rescue Remedy for pets (flower essence) will help to keep your pup calm after such trauma. May I ask her name and breed? Her fur looks Yellow Lab ? Sue that dude

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MeanFluffyBunny OP t1_itvk9xy wrote

The shelter said she’s a red heeler mix. I did a DNA test and it said she’s majority heeler and the rest is boxer.

https://imgur.com/a/QI8aBvp/

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flowerwoman333 t1_ityxlcb wrote

She looks so king and gentle. And she is Beautiful …I know that she will recover from this horrid attack and that you will find Justice for her

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soulc t1_itvq30s wrote

If the dog is on my property I would shoot it.

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Sugarloafer1991 t1_itvydcn wrote

Call the police, but if you want them to pay the bills it’s going to be a civil suit. Hire a lawyer to talk about that.

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Bywater t1_itw0v15 wrote

I'd just kill that dog before it tears up a kid. I love animals, I really do but if your dog has shown that it is dangerous and is now mauling my dog I am going to kick it to pieces or shoot it.

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IndecisiveKitten t1_itweso7 wrote

ABSOLUTELY call animal control and file a police report, letting your dog roam at large is a violation in itself as far as I know, let alone the fact that the dog is aggressive and attacking other animals and humans. Hold that fucker accountable, I'm so sorry that you and your sweet pup are going through this and I hope she makes a quick recovery.

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Handoftel787 t1_itwh7ub wrote

That’s crazy, if that were the throat that dog would be dead. I wouldn’t even have thought twice that dog would have gotten a bullet on your property also mind you that no hesitation fuck your neighbor

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MeanFluffyBunny OP t1_itwrc1k wrote

The dog went straight for the throat, she actually hit my dogs collar which came right off. I think it saved her life. Her throat is all bruised and bloody but not punctured.

https://i.imgur.com/OXxEpek.jpg

Not shown is the puncture at the base of her tail. It’s literally right above her ass. They can’t sew it shut and I have to pick any scabs off it so it heals from the inside out. Which is extremely painful for my girl

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Wyatt_Earth t1_itwnxpk wrote

Police, animal control, a lawyer, and a weapons store.

I carry a weapon every single time I'm out with my dogs for this very reason.

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Lulubelle2021 t1_itwpbuj wrote

Very sorry to read the edit describing her injuries. Were you able to reach animal control and file a police report?

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MeanFluffyBunny OP t1_itwq3kc wrote

Police report is done. Animal control is MIA. Dog is still wandering around my property. Sheriff basically told me to shoot the dog if it steps on my property or looks at me funny.

She’s going to be ok, I’ll probably do an update once animal control comes through.

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IndecisiveKitten t1_ity1v31 wrote

Don’t let up on animal control, blow up their phone if you have to until it gets handled to hold your POS neighbor accountable. Unfortunately they seem to love being unreachable and never returning phone calls from what I’ve witnessed in many towns/cities here.

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Lulubelle2021 t1_itwqfvg wrote

Yeah stay on animal control because my understanding is that they are sort of in charge with these situations. The dog is wandering around your property? WTF. Did the owner indicate any sense of responsibility towards your dogs injuries?

I'm glad she's going to be OK.

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MeanFluffyBunny OP t1_itwsum7 wrote

No, I spent about a minute alternating between screaming at the dog to stay back and screaming at the house asking why no one is coming outside. Finally, he comes out. I yell that his dog attacked mine, he replies “it’s ok, she’s just mouthy”. I walked away bc I needed to check my dog for injuries and to get away from his dog.

Edit: his dog took a shit in my yard this am. I was still sleeping so he lives another day.

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Lulubelle2021 t1_itwvhng wrote

Does the other owner know how seriously injured your dog is? That's awful.

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TastelessDonut t1_itx5h6b wrote

Man I am a dog lover, but I don’t know how you had the strength to hold your emotions back. I would want to find the pin for my property line and lace it with nuts, seeds and anything a squirrel or mouse would eat. One foot past that line I would want to dig a shallow flower garden also known as a grave..

Make sure to keep your dog clearly on your property, leashed, on a electric fence or something so they can’t just shoot yours and claim she was on their land.

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Ladamedebete12 t1_itwvfpb wrote

Yes ask the police what your next move should be. If it cost vet bills and is serious for sure they should pay damages its their fault. If you can sue for bills than I would. I Imagine their dog could do a lot of damages and it's just not cool to just say. "Oh, it's okai" because it's kinda not.

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MaryBitchards t1_ituikbq wrote

A friend of mine was walking his dog and it got attacked by a pit bull. He had to go through the court system and was finally awarded repayment by the pittie owner for the thousands in vet bills he spent. Sadly, and this is likely the case with your neighbor, that weirdo had no money and my buddy only ever got like $50 repaid.

I'd call the cops every time anyway.

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MathematicianGlum880 t1_ituq8s9 wrote

I am so sorry for your dog. Unfortunately it’s more about shitty people and not dogs. I hope he pays!

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NoShip7475 t1_itvmfra wrote

This is why God gave us guns.

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Grope-Zero t1_itts2qd wrote

let me guess, pitbull?

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MeanFluffyBunny OP t1_ituqpox wrote

Lol. You’re partially correct. If I had to guess, it’s a lab pit rottie mix. I’m not sure tho.

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TwinTtoo t1_itvqx6e wrote

Everytime my dogs and I have been attacked it’s been a different breed: lab, basset hound, pugs, Shepard both cattle and Aussie. The sweetest dog in our neighborhood is a silly Rottweiler.

There are bad owners, not bad breeds.

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Bywater t1_itw14q4 wrote

People like to blame it on the breed instead of just accepting that some humans are garbage.

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Wyatt_Earth t1_itwp3ys wrote

Yes, there are bad breeds and pit bull is one of the worst.

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MeanFluffyBunny OP t1_iu5y3yt wrote

They have nothing on Shar Pei’s. Those fuckers are insane. They are bred to have crazy loose skin so nothing can really bite them. One of them ripped off my beagles leg back when I was a kid. Worst dog attack I’ve ever seen.

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Wyatt_Earth t1_iufjfy4 wrote

There are definitely some dangerous breeds out there but pit bulls do the most damage by a HUGE margin, by all measures.

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Wyatt_Earth t1_itwp14c wrote

As predictable as the tides, aren't they. Fucking useless menace animals.

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mayn t1_ittvx57 wrote

[ Removed by Reddit ]

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