Pit Bulls

Belmont Resident · 12-06-2012, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 8gv

Advice:

Bring a legal action against the owners of the dog that killed yours.

The loss of your pet in this manner has caused you emotional distress.

Any vet bills stemming from this cost you money.

Your dog had monetary value which is now gone.

Seek significant damages for these.

By bringing this action against your neighbor they will have to respond through their homeowners insurance. When their insurance company realizes what has happened they will likely demand the dog be removed. If the owner is not complant, the insurance company may not renew their policy.

Whether or not you win, you have had an impact on the neighbor.

If owners don't have enough sense to choose another breed, maybe the economics of owning a Pit Bull can be made unfeasible.

I would like to do that as well but my wife wants to put it behind her and not have to face these people. We are planning on moving to get away from these people. We are however going to pursue legal action in small claims court for vet bills and attempt to get compensation for the cost of pirate.

tis · 12-07-2012, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Belmont Resident

I would like to do that as well but my wife wants to put it behind her and not have to face these people. We are planning on moving to get away from these people. We are however going to pursue legal action in small claims court for vet bills and attempt to get compensation for the cost of pirate.

You will probably grind through the small claims process and after about two years, still not get anything out of those people. Good luck. My last experience when the people were in contempt of court for not paying 10$ a month toward a bill ended up with the judge telling me they didn't have enough money to pay since they only made 18,000 a year on disability. So I am disgusted with the whole process. I was in shock when the judge said that. I do a fair amount of collections and that has never happened to me before. Not able to pay 10$ a month???? But I know he has money for beer, etc.

dippasan · 12-07-2012, 10:10 AM

So sorry for your loss. Horrible.

In my humble opinion, these types of dogs are aggressive by nature and it does not take much to bring it out in them. My father in law loved these types of dogs, (Rottweilers, pit bulls, Dobermans). His dogs were highly trained and were "show dogs" and on many occasions I saw his own Rotty's growl, snap and behave very aggressive towards anyone.
I never let my guard down and never ever trusted these animals or these breeds around my kids or my own dogs.

8gv · 12-07-2012, 11:14 AM

There is a raging national debate on the merits of owning a Pit Bull. I've heard most of what both sides say. There is often a comparison made of bite incidents by different breeds. Pit Bull advocates may tell you that some other, well respected, kid friendly breed bites more often.

Here is where I see the difference:

Most dogs that bite do it once to send a messege and then disengage.

A Pit Bull will likely keep biting until what it is biting stops moving.

A Pit Bull has extremely capable biting equipment, thus making each bite cause more damage.

I stear clear of them. I cross the street when I see one coming. I believe this "bullying by proxy" is why some owners choose this breed.

Steveo · 12-07-2012, 12:50 PM

Pit bull left to "babysit" 10-month-old child, Fla. man arrested

(CBS) PALM COAST, Fla. - A 41-year-old northeast Florida man, James Irvine, faces child neglect charges after he allegedly left an infant in the care of a pit bull while he went out to drink Friday night.

The mother of the 10-month-old child left the baby in Irvine's care when she left for work on Nov. 30, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reports. However, Irvine soon abandoned the child to go out to a bar.

The child's mother reportedly became alarmed after she tried contacting Irvine several times Friday night. When Irvine finally picked up the mother's phone calls he reportedly told her "I'm watching the game," before hanging up, the newspaper reports.

When the mother arrived home, she discovered Irvine trying to get back into the house through the garage door.

According to the News-Journal, citing a Flagler County sheriff's report, Irvine told her that he had not "left the baby alone," because the "pit bull was watching the baby."

The dog was sitting outside the room where the child was left. The door was shut, and the child was allegedly crying, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reported.

Irvine was arrested and brought to the Flagler County Inmate Facility. He was later released on $1,500 bail, the newspaper reports.

gtagrip · 12-07-2012, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 8gv

I stear clear of them. I cross the street when I see one coming. I believe this "bullying by proxy" is why some owners choose this breed.

The dog owner thinks it makes them a bad ass! That kind of stupid thinking shows how stupid they really are! Probably why the owner was going to deny it was their dog that did it! Get a clue!

gravy boat · 12-07-2012, 01:06 PM

BR -- I am so sorry for your loss. As you can see by my avitar I am a dog lover myself.

I am not familiar with the local laws, but perhaps you document every call and response, get a copy of the police report you filed, and whatever other information could help you make your case and then consult a lawyer for a civil suit. Again, I don't know the laws or if it's feasible but hitting an ignoramus in the wallet may wake his/her sorry butt up.

GB

ApS · 12-10-2012, 04:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gravy boat

BR -- I am so sorry for your loss. As you can see by my avitar I am a dog lover myself.

I am not familiar with the local laws, but perhaps you document every call and response, get a copy of the police report you filed, and whatever other information could help you make your case and then consult a lawyer for a civil suit. Again, I don't know the laws or if it's feasible but hitting an ignoramus in the wallet may wake his/her sorry butt up.

GB

BR will need this.

LIforrelaxin · 12-10-2012, 03:02 PM

Frist BR, I am sorry that you had a to loose your dog in such a way, it is never easy...

2nd, many homeowners insurance policies, will not renew policies if an aggressive breed is found to be residing in the home. And it isn't just pitbulls, rotwillers, etc. that are considered aggressive. My Aunt has Malamutes and had trouble with her insurance company a couple of years back.

3rd while it is true certain species have more agressive personalities, it is always the lack of responsibility on the part of the owner that causes the problem. I have seen pitbulls, rotwillers, dobermans etc. all make great pets. But in order to do so takes a certain type of owner. Someone that understands that dogs traits, and can provide the attention and constant training that these dogs need.

All dogs have inate tendencies, my springer for instantence is a hunting dog, and while I don't hunt with him, my wife and I do train and work with him constantly. This allows his natural tendancy to want to track, flush, and retrieve, to be full filled in a constructive maner. When I see well behaved Rotwillers, Pits etc. they usually have owners that understand the agressive nature of the dogs, and also find ways to allow them to get that aggression out constructively. I have found when I see dogs snap, and attack, it is generally because the owners, have not found a way to constructively live with their dogs traits, and try and restrain the dog from showing those traits, and thus the dogs eventually snaps.

Last dogs are dogs, they are animals, there genelogy is to be aggressive, and that is true of any dog. Look at the behavior of the wolfs. They are very agressive, even towards there own pack. However in a pack the behavior is understood and not a suprise to any of the members. Dogs think of humans as part of the pack, they expect us to understand their behavior, alas oftern we do not.

Don't blame the dog, the problem is always the owner. And the bottom line is some people just don't care, or don't take the time to learn and understand their dog.

8gv · 12-10-2012, 09:19 PM

I keep hearing and reading "don't blame the dog, blame the owner". How, pray tell, does one discern between a responsibe owner and an irresponsible one?

Do I make a quick judgement as I walk my dog (or kid) down the sidewalk?

Do I assume innocence until after the maiming and then apologize for my error?

I am not in the business of gauging Pit Bull aggression levels.

As far as I'm concerned, there are Pits who have had incidents and Pits that WILL.

I suppose that makes me a "breedist". So be it.

codeman671 · 12-10-2012, 09:22 PM

I think this thread should be directed to the firearms thread... I have 4 dogs and if a neighbors dog did that to one of mine it would disappear in the night...

I have owned many dogs, the toughest one being a chessie. My jake was an angel, had him since he was 8 weeks and he was the best chessie I had ever met. Many vets and groomers were scared of him as they are known to be bull headed, not loving, and sometimes aggressive but certainly not fierce like a pit bull. He turned out to be loyal and lovable. He was focused and a bit intense when it came to his toys but beyond that my kids could climb all over him. He lived to be 14, a good long life for a Chesapeake.

I was mauled by a black lab as a kid, it roughed me up pretty bad. It's a miracle I like dogs as much as I do. I have been attacked by rotties and pit bulls before so I have no love for either.

Our 4 dogs are all family friendly. My leonberger is a moose and has a bark that could wake the dead, but is a teddy bear. The rest are all sissies.

Sorry for your loss. Awful...

Codeman671

(Codeman, otherwise named Cody, was my golden retriever and probably the best friend I have ever had)

Gearhead · 12-11-2012, 12:28 PM

As much as I'm sure you'd love to put one through it's skull, you have to know they'll just get another. You can't win that way - you need a bigger bully.

It wouldn't take much for a lawyer to find out who the lienholder is and who insures the property, then send them both letters describing the incident, as well as a copy of the police report. I'll bet the bank and the insurance company will take care everything else for you.

Belmont Resident · 12-11-2012, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gearhead

As much as I'm sure you'd love to put one through it's skull, you have to know they'll just get another. You can't win that way - you need a bigger bully.

It wouldn't take much for a lawyer to find out who the lienholder is and who insures the property, then send them both letters describing the incident, as well as a copy of the police report. I'll bet the bank and the insurance company will take care everything else for you.

My wife is taking them to small claims court to recover the vet bills and possibly the cost of pirate.
My suggestion was to tell them when she saw them that they had a choice, pay up or we get a lawyer and go after their homeowners or at the very least send them all the police reports and let them make the call. I do like the part about including the lien holder.

Flylady · 12-11-2012, 11:20 PM

Check with your lawyer. Filing a claim against their homeowners policy should start wheels in motion as others have indicated on this tread. Neither the homeowner or the insurance company want the liability of having a dog with a violent history. While they may turn down the claim, they will request the dog be removed (with proof) or they will cancel the policy. The next time it could be a human !

BroadHopper · 12-12-2012, 12:35 PM

Here is the yellow dog project. Perhaps we should have a red ribbon for dangerous dogs.

dpg · 12-13-2012, 07:44 AM

I honestly do not think I would be more devastated if something happened to one of my boys.

I find that to be a bit of an odd statement.

12-07-2012, 10:10 AM	#3
dippasan Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Hooksett NH and Sleepers Isl Posts: 396 Thanks: 295 Thanked 192 Times in 85 Posts	So sorry for your loss. Horrible. In my humble opinion, these types of dogs are aggressive by nature and it does not take much to bring it out in them. My father in law loved these types of dogs, (Rottweilers, pit bulls, Dobermans). His dogs were highly trained and were "show dogs" and on many occasions I saw his own Rotty's growl, snap and behave very aggressive towards anyone. I never let my guard down and never ever trusted these animals or these breeds around my kids or my own dogs. __________________ Luck is when preparedness meets opportunity

12-07-2012, 12:50 PM	#5
Steveo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 525 Thanks: 47 Thanked 123 Times in 63 Posts	Another bright Pit Bull owner Pit bull left to "babysit" 10-month-old child, Fla. man arrested (CBS) PALM COAST, Fla. - A 41-year-old northeast Florida man, James Irvine, faces child neglect charges after he allegedly left an infant in the care of a pit bull while he went out to drink Friday night. The mother of the 10-month-old child left the baby in Irvine's care when she left for work on Nov. 30, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reports. However, Irvine soon abandoned the child to go out to a bar. The child's mother reportedly became alarmed after she tried contacting Irvine several times Friday night. When Irvine finally picked up the mother's phone calls he reportedly told her "I'm watching the game," before hanging up, the newspaper reports. When the mother arrived home, she discovered Irvine trying to get back into the house through the garage door. According to the News-Journal, citing a Flagler County sheriff's report, Irvine told her that he had not "left the baby alone," because the "pit bull was watching the baby." The dog was sitting outside the room where the child was left. The door was shut, and the child was allegedly crying, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reported. Irvine was arrested and brought to the Flagler County Inmate Facility. He was later released on $1,500 bail, the newspaper reports.

12-07-2012, 01:06 PM	#7
gravy boat Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Gilford year round, West Alton summers Posts: 596 Thanks: 601 Thanked 203 Times in 102 Posts	Sad, sad, sad BR -- I am so sorry for your loss. As you can see by my avitar I am a dog lover myself. I am not familiar with the local laws, but perhaps you document every call and response, get a copy of the police report you filed, and whatever other information could help you make your case and then consult a lawyer for a civil suit. Again, I don't know the laws or if it's feasible but hitting an ignoramus in the wallet may wake his/her sorry butt up. GB

12-10-2012, 03:02 PM	#9
LIforrelaxin Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Texas, Lake Ray Hubbard and NH, Long Island Winnipesaukee Posts: 2,931 Thanks: 1,058 Thanked 902 Times in 532 Posts	Just some thoughts Frist BR, I am sorry that you had a to loose your dog in such a way, it is never easy... 2nd, many homeowners insurance policies, will not renew policies if an aggressive breed is found to be residing in the home. And it isn't just pitbulls, rotwillers, etc. that are considered aggressive. My Aunt has Malamutes and had trouble with her insurance company a couple of years back. 3rd while it is true certain species have more agressive personalities, it is always the lack of responsibility on the part of the owner that causes the problem. I have seen pitbulls, rotwillers, dobermans etc. all make great pets. But in order to do so takes a certain type of owner. Someone that understands that dogs traits, and can provide the attention and constant training that these dogs need. All dogs have inate tendencies, my springer for instantence is a hunting dog, and while I don't hunt with him, my wife and I do train and work with him constantly. This allows his natural tendancy to want to track, flush, and retrieve, to be full filled in a constructive maner. When I see well behaved Rotwillers, Pits etc. they usually have owners that understand the agressive nature of the dogs, and also find ways to allow them to get that aggression out constructively. I have found when I see dogs snap, and attack, it is generally because the owners, have not found a way to constructively live with their dogs traits, and try and restrain the dog from showing those traits, and thus the dogs eventually snaps. Last dogs are dogs, they are animals, there genelogy is to be aggressive, and that is true of any dog. Look at the behavior of the wolfs. They are very agressive, even towards there own pack. However in a pack the behavior is understood and not a suprise to any of the members. Dogs think of humans as part of the pack, they expect us to understand their behavior, alas oftern we do not. Don't blame the dog, the problem is always the owner. And the bottom line is some people just don't care, or don't take the time to learn and understand their dog. __________________ Life is about how much time you can spend relaxing... I do it on an island that isn't really an island.....

12-11-2012, 11:20 PM	#14
Flylady Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: So. California & Lakes Region Posts: 256 Thanks: 225 Thanked 106 Times in 61 Posts	Isurance Companies Check with your lawyer. Filing a claim against their homeowners policy should start wheels in motion as others have indicated on this tread. Neither the homeowner or the insurance company want the liability of having a dog with a violent history. While they may turn down the claim, they will request the dog be removed (with proof) or they will cancel the policy. The next time it could be a human !

12-07-2012, 11:14 AM	#4
8gv Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,135 Thanks: 64 Thanked 756 Times in 489 Posts	There is a raging national debate on the merits of owning a Pit Bull. I've heard most of what both sides say. There is often a comparison made of bite incidents by different breeds. Pit Bull advocates may tell you that some other, well respected, kid friendly breed bites more often. Here is where I see the difference: Most dogs that bite do it once to send a messege and then disengage. A Pit Bull will likely keep biting until what it is biting stops moving. A Pit Bull has extremely capable biting equipment, thus making each bite cause more damage. I stear clear of them. I cross the street when I see one coming. I believe this "bullying by proxy" is why some owners choose this breed.

The Following User Says Thank You to 8gv For This Useful Post:
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12-10-2012, 09:19 PM	#10
8gv Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,135 Thanks: 64 Thanked 756 Times in 489 Posts	I keep hearing and reading "don't blame the dog, blame the owner". How, pray tell, does one discern between a responsibe owner and an irresponsible one? Do I make a quick judgement as I walk my dog (or kid) down the sidewalk? Do I assume innocence until after the maiming and then apologize for my error? I am not in the business of gauging Pit Bull aggression levels. As far as I'm concerned, there are Pits who have had incidents and Pits that WILL. I suppose that makes me a "breedist". So be it.

12-10-2012, 09:22 PM	#11
codeman671 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3,554 Thanks: 222 Thanked 838 Times in 505 Posts	I think this thread should be directed to the firearms thread... I have 4 dogs and if a neighbors dog did that to one of mine it would disappear in the night... I have owned many dogs, the toughest one being a chessie. My jake was an angel, had him since he was 8 weeks and he was the best chessie I had ever met. Many vets and groomers were scared of him as they are known to be bull headed, not loving, and sometimes aggressive but certainly not fierce like a pit bull. He turned out to be loyal and lovable. He was focused and a bit intense when it came to his toys but beyond that my kids could climb all over him. He lived to be 14, a good long life for a Chesapeake. I was mauled by a black lab as a kid, it roughed me up pretty bad. It's a miracle I like dogs as much as I do. I have been attacked by rotties and pit bulls before so I have no love for either. Our 4 dogs are all family friendly. My leonberger is a moose and has a bark that could wake the dead, but is a teddy bear. The rest are all sissies. Sorry for your loss. Awful... Codeman671 (Codeman, otherwise named Cody, was my golden retriever and probably the best friend I have ever had)

12-11-2012, 12:28 PM	#12
Gearhead Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Alton Posts: 166 Thanks: 13 Thanked 19 Times in 8 Posts	As much as I'm sure you'd love to put one through it's skull, you have to know they'll just get another. You can't win that way - you need a bigger bully. It wouldn't take much for a lawyer to find out who the lienholder is and who insures the property, then send them both letters describing the incident, as well as a copy of the police report. I'll bet the bank and the insurance company will take care everything else for you.

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12-12-2012, 12:35 PM	#15
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,621 Thanks: 3,248 Thanked 1,119 Times in 803 Posts	Ribbons Here is the yellow dog project. Perhaps we should have a red ribbon for dangerous dogs. Attached Images __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

12-13-2012, 07:44 AM	#16
dpg Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 2,619 Thanks: 157 Thanked 235 Times in 172 Posts	I honestly do not think I would be more devastated if something happened to one of my boys. I find that to be a bit of an odd statement.