Dog Liability in the Event of an Attack – Ask for Advice

Questioner

While walking my dog, he was attacked by another loose dog. My dog ​​was on a leash. During the dog fight, there was also an officer present who saw that my dog ​​was on a leash and was attacked. He also made a statement about this. Now the owner of the other dog does not want to pay my veterinary costs. How can I make sure that I still get my money back?

Lawyer

The owner of the dog is definitely liable. For animals, a strict liability applies and that means that you are liable for the damage caused by your animal, whether you could do anything about it or not. If you have the name and address, you can hold the owner liable for the damage in writing; perhaps his third-party insurance will provide coverage. If not, he will have to pay himself. If he does not, there is no other option than to take legal action before the subdistrict court. You do not need a lawyer for this. Whether it is worth it and the risk of an angry dog ​​owner with an apparently not very friendly dog ​​is something only you can decide for yourself.

Lawyer

Based on your story, the owner of the other dog should indeed pay the vet's costs. If he has liability insurance, the case can be reported to the insurer and the insurer will pay the damages. If the owner does not want to cooperate, you would be wise to send a registered letter or possibly hire a lawyer to put pressure. That can sometimes help.