Cat killed by neighbors dog.

[jdearduff]

California. So today I found my cat being attacked by a dog in my garage. Turns out after a trip to the vet my cat is now dead. The dog broke her back. What kind of recourse do I have in this kind of situation? Animal control came out and gave me a case number and wrote the owner of the dog a citation, but what else can be done? Can I do anything other than recover the vet bills?

 

[TigerD]

California. So today I found my cat being attacked by a dog in my garage. Turns out after a trip to the vet my cat is now dead. The dog broke her back. What kind of recourse do I have in this kind of situation? Animal control came out and gave me a case number and wrote the owner of the dog a citation, but what else can be done? Can I do anything other than recover the vet bills?

Next time your find your neighbor's wild, vicious animal in your garage threatening or attacking a family member -- shoot it. ---- sorry California. Politely ask it leave -- if you can do it without hurting the dog's feelings.

DC

 

[Proserpina]

California. So today I found my cat being attacked by a dog in my garage. Turns out after a trip to the vet my cat is now dead. The dog broke her back. What kind of recourse do I have in this kind of situation? Animal control came out and gave me a case number and wrote the owner of the dog a citation, but what else can be done? Can I do anything other than recover the vet bills?

I'm not even convinced you'll get vet bills. The problem with small claims is not getting the judgment itself, but rather trying to collect the judgment.

I'm sorry you lost your kitty. And there's nothing stopping you from trying to recover your vet bills, but small claims generally will not deal with pain and suffering claims or penalizing the dog owner.

 

[TheGeekess]

California. So today I found my cat being attacked by a dog in my garage. Turns out after a trip to the vet my cat is now dead. The dog broke her back. What kind of recourse do I have in this kind of situation? Animal control came out and gave me a case number and wrote the owner of the dog a citation, but what else can be done? Can I do anything other than recover the vet bills?

Short answer: No. Animals are considered property.

 

[LdiJ]

Short answer: No. Animals are considered property.

The fact that they are considered to be property doesn't mean that someone cannot sue for damages...in fact its just the opposite. You can sue someone who is responsible for the damage or destruction of your property. The owner of the dog is responsible because the dog was loose and able to enter someone else's garage. Both the vet bills and the value of the cat are damages.

 

[Ohiogal]

It is a shame that people seem to think they can let their cats wander. The only positive is that the cat was wandering on her property.

 

[You Are Guilty]

Both the vet bills and the value of the cat are damages.

What is the actual cash value of one used cat these days?

 

[Zigner]

It is a shame that people seem to think they can let their cats wander. The only positive is that the cat was wandering on her property.

To be fair, the cat was wandering in a structure on her property. I really don't think it's fair to characterize this as an instance of the animal roaming freely.

On the other hand, I will state that I doubt that the location of the cat was anything other than timing. I'm sure this cat was allowed to wander freely at other times.

 

[Zigner]

What is the actual cash value of one used cat these days?

73¢ (if you factor in the fuel-energy values too)

 

[Ohiogal]

To be fair, the cat was wandering in a structure on her property. I really don't think it's fair to characterize this as an instance of the animal roaming freely.

On the other hand, I will state that I doubt that the location of the cat was anything other than timing. I'm sure this cat was allowed to wander freely at other times.

I did state that it was on her property. But apparently the garage was open as the dog got in. Unless the dog has the ability to open doors.

 

[Mass_Shyster]

What is the actual cash value of one used cat these days?

Massachusetts allows for reasonable veterinary costs. Maybe the courts in California will too.

 

[Ladyback1]

It is a shame that people seem to think they can let their cats wander. The only positive is that the cat was wandering on her property.

It's a shame that any pet owner would allow their animals (dogs included) wander.

 

[Zigner]

Massachusetts allows for reasonable veterinary costs. Maybe the courts in California will too.

I would agree with Pro that there probably won't be any vet bills. The cat died due to the injuries sustained (including a broken back.) I doubt that the vet will send a bill for looking at a dead/almost dead cat.

 

[tranquility]

The OP seemed to imply there was vet bills.

 

[LdiJ]

I would agree with Pro that there probably won't be any vet bills. The cat died due to the injuries sustained (including a broken back.) I doubt that the vet will send a bill for looking at a dead/almost dead cat.

30 years ago there NEVER would have been a vet bill for looking at a dead/dying animal. These days I can guarantee that there WILL be vet bills.