What can I do if the dog owner does not want to pay the veterinary costs?

Questioner

Last Thursday evening my cat was grabbed by an American Staffordshire terrier. The dog held my cat in a jaw clamp and released it after a blow to the head. Cat fled and returned the next morning but had to be examined for internal bleeding, fortunately the damage was not too bad but it did incur costs of €275. The other party also had costs, but had already declared these to their own dog insurance. Now the dog owner says it's the cat's fault but the cat is no match for such a big strong dog. I don't have legal insurance. What else can I do? Vet told us we are both liable for each other's costs. But how does this continue? Yours sincerely,

Lawyer

Dear, You are both responsible for the behavior of your pet. However, it is true that the dog owner is liable for the costs incurred that you have had to pay. You are therefore wise to send a notice of liability to the dog owner with a 14-day term for payment of the consequential damage that has arisen from the biting incident. If you cannot reach an agreement, you can contact me directly for legal assistance. Hereby.

Questioner

Dear Jeroen, Thank you very much for your quick response! We will draft this letter and send it by registered mail, but now we only have a telephone number for the owner, who has blocked us (reason unknown). Do you perhaps have any idea how much time we have to arrange this? Or if there is a deadline? Yours sincerely, Ruth van Dalen

Lawyer

Dear, Annoying that the dog owner has shielded himself. In principle, a limitation period for liability for personal injury is 5 years, however, you should find out the mobile number as soon as possible. Otherwise, it is advisable to contact the police, because what the dog owner is doing is not as it should be and is unlawful. If you cannot figure it out, I would like to hear from you. Hereby.