My boyfriend and I bought our townhouse a little over a year ago. About three months ago we had some neighbors move in with a mean pit bull. We share a driveway with them. They do not own their portion, they rent. Anyway, they chain the pit up between our two houses. I can barely get into my car without the dog trying to attack me.

One day about two months ago, it finally got me. It bit a chunk out of my leg. We call animal control and their landlord and neither will do anything. Then about two weeks after that, the dog got loose and chased me and my boyfriend back into the house and proceeded to bite at our back door trying to get to us! We have video of this. Then, about two weeks after that, the dog gets loose again. It runs after us as we are tyring to get into our car. It tries to bite as we kick it away. At this point we are used to the dog being mean, so my boyfriend had a can of mace and empties it out on the dog-its not phased. Anyway, the cops are called and so is animal control. Cops won't come out, they say to call animal control. Well, animal control tell us that since they did not see the dog attacking us, that they can't do anything! But, they took an hour and a half to come to our house! What a joke. This is Kentucky by the way.

Then, just this past Friday the dog attacks again. I was walking my dog (on a leash)and the people opened their door and let their dog out (without a leash). And of course, it attacks my dog. My dog was not hurt, just scared. Again, we call animal control, but it was Friday after 6 and they won't come out.

What are we supposed to do? We are afraid to leave our own house. The cops won't help us, animal control won't help us. The landlord is thinking about taking them to court to evict them. That the only help we have and I don't know how reliable he is.

If we sue, do we have a case? Can we force them to move?

Thanks

First, is there an owner's association for the townhouses? If so, have you approached them?

Second, if you have video tape of the dog attacking you and being let out without a leash, then sue them AND their landlord, since he has done nothing about this circumstance. But get a lawyer to do so. I assume you have a doctor's statement about the bite.

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Originally Posted by ScottGem

First, is there an owner's association for the townhouses? If so, have you approached them?

Second, if you have video tape of the dog attacking you and being let out without a leash, then sue them AND their landlord, since he has done nothing about this circumstance. But get a lawyer to do so. I assume you have a doctor's statement about the bite.

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No, we don't have an owner's association-wish we did. I also did not go to the doctor after the dog bite. It didn't look that bad, and I didn't think it was nessesary. I should have though, I still have a scar two months later. This was before I knew that the dog was going to be such a big problem. I kind of thought it was a one time thing. I have pictures of the bite though.

Hello jen:

I know this isn't what you want to hear. Frankly, it isn't what I want to say. But, you're not getting help from the people who are SUPPOSED to help you. I'm not surprised that the cops don't help, though. They're busy down at the doughnut shop.

I love dogs, but I wouldn't let a dog attack me a second time - just like I wouldn't let a human. I'm not talking about revenge. That's dumb. I'm talking about defending yourself. If mace doesn't cut it, get something that will.

If you haven't already, I would write a letter to your neighbor. Send it certified. In it, I wouldn't plead for their cooperation. I wouldn't ASK them to do anything. I wouldn't tell them how terrible you feel. I would tell them exactly what you are going to do, and then do it.

Hopefully, they'll get the message - but probably not.

Of course, as Scott suggested, suing them is part and parcel of your remedy. But, filing a lawsuit WON'T stop you from being mauled.

excon

Animial control and the police have strict rules on what to do on animal bites, They are suppose to find proof of the animal shot records and ticket the owner.

But they are suppose to act. But you should have sued them on the original dog bite. But then I will be honest if my wife almost or did get biten, the dog would have never bitten anyone again.

There are cases upon cases on the TV court shows like Judge Judy or People's Court and the others. Call one of those shows and who knows, you might get your day in court.

But you have to start documenting better. Videos, pictures, dates, times, who you called, actions taken, letters, replies, etc. You will have the burden of proof. Shame on animal control and the police for not following through. Must be great donuts at the donut shop.

Along with the suggestions that others have suggested, as a temporary solution you can use pepper spray or taser gun to protect yourself from the dog whenever you go out. Sue your neighbor and the landlord. It's a terrible feeling to be scared at your own home.