Dog bitten at organised event

[TomT]

Hi,
We attended a paid for social event for dogs of a similar breed. All the dogs were off lead and running around.

One dog has run over and bitten our dog resulting in him have to have a general anesthesic to be stiched up. Luckily I have a video showing this happening. Unfortunately our dog isn't insured so we out of pocket by a lot.

The organisers have a disclaimer on there site saying you attend at your own risk. They have contacted the other dog owners who called me and asked for a copy of the video. I've provided that and now they are blocking or ignoring us.

Any suggestions on how we can proceed with this ? Does the organiser have any liability ? Any other ideas ?

Thanks

[echat11]

Hi TOMT

I don't think the organizer will have any liability, they did nothing to cause the injuries to your dog, this is aside from their disclaimer.

The liability lays with the owners of the other dog. You need to do everything to resolve the matter ADR etc, adhering to the pre action protocols and small claims court as a last resolve.

islandgirl des8 Can you take a look and advise, many thanks.

[TomT]

Unfortunately we have only got the dog owners first name, a possible mobile number and there Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok account names.
They messaged me once via Facebook and when I replied they have blocked me. At there request I sent them a video via whatsApp showing the incident happening, they are now either ignoring us or have blocked us again.

They have quite an active Instagram account for the dog, so I've sent them a message via that.. Hopefully they will now reply.

If not, I don't know what my options are apart from sharing the details and video for others to see.

Thanks

[echat11]

How much would your claim be for?

[TomT]

Hi

Currently we are at just over £1027, plus ongoing vets visits.

Thanks

[echat11]

Would the organizer have full details of the dog owner during registration of the event?

Then it's a case of legally getting that information.

[TomT]

This was an event organised by the land owner and was advertised as a specific breed social. Looking at there web site I can't see any disclaimer when placing a booking. They have been in touch via whatApp, but they don't want to get involved, advising we need to deal with the dog owner.

The dog owner won't accept any responsibility, if we message her via the 'dogs' Instagram page she blocks and ignores us.

I'm not sure where to take this... part of me wants to post the video showing the bite and all of her dogs Instgram and TikTok details online and see if that gets a response.

Does anyone know who I can talk to, to try and get some support with this ?

Thanks

[echat11]

O.K., it's something you can report to the police -

Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (section 3)

'It's a criminal offence to allow your dog to be 'dangerously out of control', which can be defined as a dog that has injured another person or dog. If someone has reasonable apprehension that a dog may act 'out of control' the owner can still be penalised.

Your dog simply chasing, barking at or jumping up at a person or child could lead to a complaint so ensure they are under control at all times.

If your dog injures someone, it may be seized by the police and you could face fines, compensation costs and even be sentenced to prison or banned from having dogs in the future.

Unless you can't persuade the court that your dog is not a danger to the public, the dog may be put down.'

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1991/65/contents

https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/uk-...tacks-17636405

[islandgirl]

In the landowners position I would say the same - it is between you and the other dog owner. In my view you have no claim against the landowner but against the owner of the dog. You can write to the landowner and ask for disclosure of any details they may have with regard to the owners name and address. If you say it is in connection with legal action I believe they can provide it and not break data rules. They may of course not have names and addresses. Then it is down to detective work via social media, electoral registers etc. I would not post on their social media - lie low until you have the information you need.

[Loughrigg]

I agree with the assertions that the organiser would not be responsible . They haven't been negligent in any way. Reporting to the police is the best option I think. Some years ago a dog (off lead) had laid at the back of our car. We didn't know that it had gone there after we got in to drive away. It was injured but not badly as my husband had only begun to move off very slowly. The person looking after the dog didn't drive, so we took them straight to the vet to get treatment for what seemed like a possible fracture. Some weeks later the owners of the dog tried to pursue us for the vet costs! We were advised we were not responsible in this instance as we had not been negligent and the person responsible for the dog at the time should have kept them under control.

[echat11]

I agree with the assertions that the organiser would not be responsible . They haven't been negligent in any way. Reporting to the police is the best option I think. Some years ago a dog (off lead) had laid at the back of our car. We didn't know that it had gone there after we got in to drive away. It was injured but not badly as my husband had only begun to move off very slowly. The person looking after the dog didn't drive, so we took them straight to the vet to get treatment for what seemed like a possible fracture. Some weeks later the owners of the dog tried to pursue us for the vet costs! We were advised we were not responsible in this instance as we had not been negligent and the person responsible for the dog at the time should have kept them under control.

Neat post.

[Loughrigg]

Neat post.

Ooh - is that good then ?! Lol. I'm middle aged now, but I think that means it was an ok contribution. As a new member, I'll take that. Thank you!

[echat11]

Ooh - is that good then ?! Lol. I'm middle aged now, but I think that means it was an ok contribution. As a new member, I'll take that. Thank you!

Definitely good, lol.

[TomT]

I managed to contact the other dog owner who isn't interested, so it looks like there is nothing further I can do.
Thanks for the advise

[islandgirl]

In your position I would be writing a letter before action to them and using Moneyclaim online. It would be worth a try - just the letter before action may make them contribute!