Need some advice

[ApOrbital]

My mates dog escaped from the garden well her son let him out and it killed next doors cat,she is worried that her dog will now get put down what is the law on this?

[R E S T E C P]

AFAIK - the worst that's likely to happen is having to pay out for damages, but even that's unlikely. I haven't heard of a dog being put down for killing a cat. And from things I've seen in the past the police probably won't show much interest, but the RSPCA may take up the cause. Don't take my word on it though, I don't know the law on this.

Regardless of the law though, a massive apology is in order, delivered in person by the son that let the dog out - then he won't forget next time.
If it's a pedigree cat then I'd cover the costs of a replacement. Even if not, I think £500 is reasonable to cover a decent pet cremation service and donation fee for a shelter kitten.

[ApOrbital]

Cheers.

[housen]

R E S T E C P said:

AFAIK - the worst that's likely to happen is having to pay out for damages, but even that's unlikely. I haven't heard of a dog being put down for killing a cat. And from things I've seen in the past the police probably won't show much interest, but the RSPCA may take up the cause. Don't take my word on it though, I don't know the law on this.

Regardless of the law though, a massive apology is in order, delivered in person by the son that let the dog out - then he won't forget next time.
If it's a pedigree cat then I'd cover the costs of a replacement. Even if not, I think £500 is reasonable to cover a decent pet cremation service and donation fee for a shelter kitten.

replacing the cat will only play into the dogs hands/paws of its big game hunting plans

[moorx]

Based on my friends' experience, they may get a visit from the local Dog Warden. My friends' dog had to be kept on a lead and muzzled on walks.

[ApOrbital]

Just found out it is a bloody pitbull they are banned in the uk so no hope for it now.

[bmwmike]

In fairness if it's killed another large animal what's to stop it killing a baby or small child? It should be put down IMO.

Edit saying that I guess cats kills mice so where does it stop. Pitbulls bit more dangerous and capable than a cat though.

[moorx]

bmwmike said:

In fairness if it's killed another large animal what's to stop it killing a baby or small child? It should be put down IMO.

Edit saying that I guess cats kills mice so where does it stop. Pitbulls bit more dangerous and capable than a cat though.

OT but a dog being animal aggressive doesn't mean it is a danger to babies or children.

I've owned several dogs that were not cat or small animal friendly but they were never aggressive towards children. One of them had lived with a childminder before I adopted her.

[Willy Nilly]

ApOrbital said:

My mates dog escaped from the garden well her son let him out and it killed next doors cat,she is worried that her dog will now get put down what is the law on this?

Can I borrow it before it gets put down?

[boyse7en]

He might get lucky if he apologises sufficiently and replaces the cat + expenses etc.
If the neighbor's don't know what a pitbull is (I've heard of them, but don't really know what they look like, so they might not either) they might not report it.

[ApOrbital]

I told her that but she was reported to the police and rspca,plus the dog is banned in the uk.

[Andy_mr2sc]

Is it a registered one that she has under license or one that has 'slipped in under the radar?'

[Equus]

bmwmike said:

In fairness if it's killed another large animal what's to stop it killing a baby or small child? It should be put down IMO.

That's a hell of a leap you're making, there.

My dog (a pointer) has killed and eaten hares, which are a similar size to a cat. I have absolutely no worries where children are concerned, though; his reaction to 'prey animals' and 'non-prey animals' is completely different. I'll start worrying the first time he ever goes 'on the point' at a 3-year-old, instead of wagging his tail and trying to lick their face if they stroke him.

[Thevet]

Having had a pit bull rescue dog, now deceased, I can say that the dog was so friendly to people, but it was a strong dog with jaws that would do major damage, hence the reason I never let it out anywhere with dogs other than our own. Your friend has a banned breed, which has now got out and killed a neighbour's cat. A mistake it may have been but if it was your cat or dog, you would be fairly upset by finding the bits and pieces left over. Personally, I think your friend should not be in charge of a dog that will kill other animals whether or not it is a PBT. It is so important to protect both your own pet and other living things by controlling your own dog, and sadly mistakes are all it takes to get another headline of "demon dog eats child/pet". Should this dog be put to sleep? Probably not but your pal has now allowed that option to become very real

[Autopilot]

ApOrbital said:

My mates dog escaped from the garden well her son let him out and it killed next doors cat,she is worried that her dog will now get put down what is the law on this?

If it's an unregistered PB, then I'd imagine it will be removed from the house and then put to sleep. If it's s Staffy, they'll probably get a slap on the wrist and told not to be so stupid in the future.

[Autopilot]

bmwmike said:

In fairness if it's killed another large animal what's to stop it killing a baby or small child? It should be put down IMO.

Edit saying that I guess cats kills mice so where does it stop. Pitbulls bit more dangerous and capable than a cat though.

Ridiculous thing to say!