Dogs attacked my cat.

[Doodadsmom]

I'm sorry, I almost never post here anymore, but I wanted to say something about this to someone. My cat had some nerve damage to his back legs and we've been keeping him in. He slipped out this morning when my husband left for work. I lay in bed later thinking I should check on him but didn't get up. Then I heard noises, like a dog but wrong, like a recording. I thought it was maybe my son playing. Finally I realized it was a real dog and ran out - two large dogs were savaging the cat in the backyard, jerking him around. I ran at them screaming and they ran off. Anyway...the vet operated. He says he'll have to be one strong kitty to make it through the night.

Is it okay if I ask you guys who pray to pray for him? Objectively he's just a cat, but subjectively...this is hard.

[starrlamia]

he isnt just a cat, he's a member of your family so it makes sense! I will definately send some strong kitty vibes your way, stay strong kitty!

[Doodadsmom]

Thanks! His ribs were broken, and his spleen was on the wrong side of his abdominal wall. There was more extensive damage once the vet got in there, but I don't know the details. He crawled half out of his carrier to press his head against me before they took him back. I just hate leaving him overnight when this might be it. I do appreciate it. I don't know too many animal lovers in real life.

[mamapigeon]

I'm really sorry! Sending lots of love to your kitty

[Doodadsmom]

Thanks...I'll try to update tomorrow.

[Doodadsmom]

Well, my cat is still alive. His ribs were crushed and the vet had to make some sort of cover for his diaphragm, which had also come unattached on one side. He was mostly out of it when we visited today but I think he knew we were there. Hard to say how it's going to turn out yet. If anyone has any suggestions for dealing with the owners of the dogs when we track them down, let me know. We'd like them to help pay the vet bill, which is going to be a lot for us to manage.

[Imakcerka]

I would file a complaint.  We had a dog in the neighborhood that attacked numerous small animals and complaints were filed.  A small dog couldn't even be in a fenced back yard.  This canine could scale a 6ft fence no problem. 

If you recognize the dogs or atleast have a good description to go by that would help.  Hopefully if found they're chipped. 

[Doodadsmom]

We haven't made much progress identifying the dogs yet. One was a white pit bull, the other looked a little larger but not as blocky a build, with a yellowish color. We did speak to a neighbor boy who has a motion activated camera in his backyard for deer watching. He said it had caught images of a couple of dogs that sounded like the right ones. He was supposed to come by today, but I haven't seen him. Dispatch says animal control is off for MLK and won't be back on the job until Wednesday, but they're supposed to send someone out to patrol then. I'm hoping there may be a previous report on these dogs - won't find that out until Wednesday either, though.

We visited today - he's been eating and drinking a little on his own, and can take some steps - which is good, considering the previously occurring nerve damage and the fact that one of the dogs got hold of the top of one back leg. I think if the vet had known how damaged the cat really was, he would likely have recommended euthanization instead of surgery. But somehow he seems to be pulling through, at least so far.

[mamapigeon]

I'm glad your cat seems to be pulling through! I hope he continues to get better.

[Imakcerka]

Glad he's pulling through.  Hoping for a speedy recovery.

[PoppyMama]

I'm so sorry about your cat.  If you can figure out whose dogs they were you can contact their home owners insurance.  If they don't have it you will probably have to take them to court (small claims court?) but definitely file a report.  

I will think some healing thoughts for your cat.

[PoppyMama]

Oops. Double post.

[starrlamia]

glad he is doing well!

I would also file a complaint, but Im not sure I would expect the owners to pay the vet bills, unfortunately your cat got out, and while there shouldnt have been loose dogs, both parties IMO are responsible.

Keeping your kitty in my thoughts, hang in there!

[PoppyMama]

There is likely a leash law for the dogs and not for the cat.  The dogs were I uncontrolled and off their property the cat was in its own backyard.  I don't see where the share responsibility is.  

[Imakcerka]

Right if the animal is on your property and does damage to anything on your property its the responsibility of the owner of the offending animals.  A cat in your yard being attacked is no different than a child, dog, adult or anything else for that matter being attacked.  A small dog got loose in our hood and was attacked by a pit in the road.  The owner of the pit was responsible for the damages it's dog caused to the smaller dog.  Though the small dog ended up not making it, the pit owners were cited and ended up having to pay quite a bit to the city.  The owner refused to pay for medical bills and felt that their dog was provoked by the toy poodle.  The story did not end well as others in the neighborhood were angry at the pit owner for not taking responsibility for their dog.  The pit ended up going missing.  Moral of the story, if you have an animal that has proven that it will harm other animals or people for that matter, take responsibility. 

[PoppyMama]

We had an instance, in our city, of a larger dog attacking a smaller dog when both dogs were off leash.  The owner of the attacking dog was responsible for the injuries and the home owners ins paid but the owner of the small dog ended up not filing a report because she was also responsible since her dog was also in violation of the leash law.  

[Imakcerka]

I would have paid my leash law violation then filed the report.  The other owners need to be responsible as well. 

[PoppyMama]

I think I would have too.  I think people need to be aware if their dog has a strong prey drive (generally why dogs go after smaller animals suddenly and without provocation) and make sure they have appropriate safe guards to prevent their animal from coming into contact with perceived prey.  Human aggression is different and even though I feel sad for the animals sometimes I think those with human aggression should be put down.  I just wish people wouldn't confuse the two.  I think where the two can cross is if you have a prey driven dog not socialized to children...why I think all dogs should be socialized to children.  Anyway, back on topic.  I think the owners are certainly responsible and I hope the op finds them and sues them if need be. 

[starrlamia]

ah see in my area there are laws against cats roaming so both parties would be held responsible. And since there are leash laws any dogs offleash would be equally responsible, as they are both violating laws. And laws on owners property are all over the place, if your dog was in your yard and killed the neighbours cat your dog would still be held responsible, at least partially.

 

Originally Posted by PoppyMama 

There is likely a leash law for the dogs and not for the cat.  The dogs were I uncontrolled and off their property the cat was in its own backyard.  I don't see where the share responsibility is.  

[mattemma04]

Hope the cat is doing well.

I had a husky come into my yard and attack my dog. The owners paid a $400 vet bill. I think I was lucky as most people will not pay.

I would report the dog attack to AC,and perhaps file a report with the police,because these dogs could attack anyone next time. I recently read a story posted on BYC about a lady in GA that was attacked by 3 pits while getting her mail.Neighbors dogs. I don't know if she made it.Dogs together can be more dangerous when they roam.