Dog death

[janetborger]

We live in Garland, Tx, and on 12/31 a Pit Bull jumped over our back yard fence and attacked my Beagle. There were several witnesses and the police were involved and had to shoot at the Pit Bull before he let go. My dog died at the animal hospital on 1/8. I would like to recoup the bills and incidentals, not to mention getting a new small indoor dog for the kids (who are completely devastated), but the owner's of the Pit Bull (who live a few houses down from us) will not respond to us. Their dog was deemed dangerous by the City of Garland Animal Services and therefore not allowed back into the city limits. How do I go about getting him to pay for all of the costs and trouble that we incurred?
Thanks,
Janet

[Antigone*of*Greece]

I'm very sorry to hear about your family's pet.

First send a demand letter and then when you get no response you can sue the pit bull owner in small claims court for your out-of-pocket costs, including the price of a new dog.

[ecmst12]

Technically the owners of the pit bull would be liable for the fair market value of the dog that died, not the cost of a new dog.

[cyjeff]

Originally Posted by ecmst12

Technically the owners of the pit bull would be liable for the fair market value of the dog that died, not the cost of a new dog.

Plus the medical fees.

[ecmst12]

And any other actual costs incurred, but NOT the cost of a new dog.