jessie77 Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 My dogs, Jack Russells, escaped my yard and one attacked a cat. The cat owner took her cat to the vet and now need specialist surgery on the leg. I have paid the vet bill. In the next couple of days the cat will be having a consultation for the surgery which i am paying for. I am also paying for the surgery. So i will have paid $4k or so after surgery. I was asking the vet about how long i would have to pay the bills, the vet was saying that when the cat is about to have surgery the owner will have to sign a waiver knowing what during/after surgery, infection , death etc. So i should'nt have to pay any bills after that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minimax Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 Wouldn't it be between the owner and you to agree on in advance, when it comes to what you're paying for and what you're not? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dame Aussie Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 I would say that anything that occurs due to the attack is your responsibility, not that I know much about these things, so I could be wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parkeyre Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 If their cat was in their yard I would pay all the bills that are due to the injury. However if their cat was not in their yard I wouldn't be so willing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wundahoo Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 Unless you can reach an agreement between you and the cat's owner, I think that if it went to court you would be found to be fully responsible for any accounts in relation to the attack by your dog. Depending on the state where you live you may also find yourself with an issue regarding your dogs escaping and attacking another animal. It's a sticky situation and probably a good one to consider getting a legal opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 yep... find someone reliable to professionally advise. Worse case....The owner may demand you pay as long as the injury impedes on the cat's life .....best to get advice and write up an agreement . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beau Beau Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 Is that 4 THOUSAND dollars? How does a vet, any vet, justify that cost? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diva Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 (edited) Is that 4 THOUSAND dollars? How does a vet, any vet, justify that cost? I take it you haven't had specialist surgery done on any of yours recently, that amount is not unusual these days. Although if I was paying someone else's bill I would have asked for a second opinion and quote. Edited January 1, 2014 by Diva Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeckoTree Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 Is that 4 THOUSAND dollars? How does a vet, any vet, justify that cost? an itemised bill will show what everything costs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mixeduppup Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 (edited) Is that 4 THOUSAND dollars? How does a vet, any vet, justify that cost? I take it you haven't had specialist surgery done on any of yours recently, that amount is not unusual these days. Although if I was paying someone else's bill I would have asked for a second opinion and quote. Me too. Vets vary in surgery costs and some vets opt for surgery whilst some others opt for different treatments (if justifiable) I definitely would be forking out 4K without getting a second opinion and legal advice. Edited January 1, 2014 by mixeduppup Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest donatella Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 Is that 4 THOUSAND dollars? How does a vet, any vet, justify that cost? That sounds about right I paid $7000 for specialist surgery on my dogs front legs and that was cheap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumabaar Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 Is that 4 THOUSAND dollars? How does a vet, any vet, justify that cost? It costs what it costs? Where is the justification needed? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OSoSwift Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 My dog had a straight forward surgery on one leg it cost $2600. I am sure a specialist vet would cost more Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillbear Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 I am sitting here after picking my dog up from the emergency vet due to a cut foot $900 poorer. $4000 is easily spent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megan_ Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 If their cat was in their yard I would pay all the bills that are due to the injury. However if their cat was not in their yard I wouldn't be so willing. In most councils cats are legally allowed to roam but dogs aren't . Unfair, but that is the law, I would agree to costs, including surgery and a certain number of follow ups. I wouldn't just pay for all vet care from here on in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosetta Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 I would just draw up a simple document for both you and the cat's owner to sign regarding the extent of the expenses you are willing to pay. Something along the lines of "I agree to pay veterinary costs in the amount of $$$ for the care of ......" I commend you for taking responsibility for your dog's actions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tempus Fugit Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 Of course if council gets involved there is the risk of a "Dangerous Dog" classification, with the expense of a child-proof enclosure etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dame Aussie Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 I don't know if I agree that the OP can just draw a line. If the damage the OPs dog did causes further issues down the track why should the cats owner have to be out of pocket? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lhok Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 Sticky situation I think the dog owner is being quite reasonable about paying the vet bill for the injured cat. I don't think they should have to keep paying for ongoing bills for the cat though, not saying the cat owner will do this but I would be concerned about the cat owner asking for money for the general upkeep of the cat because who can say after an attack that did a fair amount of damage to be costing four grand what would other ailments could be considered the aftermath of the attack? Drawing up a document that states clearly what you are willing to pay for and what you aren't and getting it signed by both parties and a JP might be a good way to go. Also make sure you get a copy of the receipt of the bill and keep it. --Lhok Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christina Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 There is a free legal advice service in every state. It is listed in the white pages phone book. Give them a ring & see if you can get some advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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