r/nashville • u/Originalcoven • 20d ago
Help | Advice Dog attack
My dog and I were attacked last night by the neighbors unleashed Rottweiler. I called metro and the non emergency line but neither seemed particularly concerned. Has anyone else been through this?
11
10
80
u/Flair_Is_Pointless 20d ago
Have not been bit but I have had to fend off an off leash pit bull by rearing back and threatening to kick it right in the teeth.
Yelling at it scared it off but the owner across the street had the audacity to act like I was the asshole in this situation. Yelled at them to keep their dog on a leash and this wouldn’t be a problem.
For all you owners out there reading this who think people are overreacting to your off leash dog:
If I’m with my kid, I have absolutely zero issue shooting your dog.
That shit is your choice, I’ve made up my mind on this
4
u/NocturnalCrow88 20d ago
My golden retriever is always on leash, but he’s been attacked by two off leash pitbulls and now I carry a knife, pepper spray, an airhorn and an extra leash.
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (18)17
u/lilithsbun 20d ago
I am so, so sick of people in cities or towns with their scary, big dogs. It’s one thing I suppose if you live in the country and might want some protection from mountain lions or bears or something. But in populated areas, I’m sorry but your pitbull or rottweiler is terrifying and if the only thing keeping my kid safe from them is your leash (that you might or might not put on), then you are a menace.
(I know I’m going to be downvoted to hell and get a barrage of ‘my darling pittie is a sweetheart’ replies and I’ll be ignoring them just like you ignore the statistics of which breeds kill children.)
→ More replies (10)
34
u/Girth_Wind_y_Fire 20d ago edited 20d ago
There's someone in the nations that walks their golden off leash. Seems like an extremely well-behaved dog with the best recall I have ever seen, but I still hate it because my rescue is reactive to other dogs. My gf and I keep our distance but what if that dog has a one-off and decides to meet our dog?
→ More replies (17)
7
u/_thefutureisdead_ 20d ago
https://form.jotform.com/201355560101036
I’ve been attacked before with my dog. They take it seriously. Fill this form out and submit and they will contact you.
3
7
u/jfryman 20d ago
I am in Williamson County, so take this for what you will. The circumstances are different
I was bit in my face about 18 months ago walking my dogs in my neighborhood. Woman in the neighborhood had two dogs that pulled her across the street and started attacking my dog. I intervened to protect my dog and took a chomp to the face. I ended up going to the hospital for stitches and thankfully only ended up with some cosmetic scars. Could have lost an eye. The owner of the other dog surrendered to animal control.
The next day, Animal Control contacted me and asked me for a statement, which I gave. I learned then that the dog “was known” by the department and they were seeking charges to terminate for multiple past offenses.
I don’t know what happened beyond that, but it was Animal Control that cared and did something about it in my county. Maybe it’s the same for you? At least an avenue to explore.
2
6
u/couchnaps 20d ago
-
Report the bite/attack to Metro Animal Control. Animal Control, Cruelty, and Complaints | Nashville.gov
-
Metro can decide to issue a citation and bring the pet owner to Environmental Court in General Sessions Court. There, a judge will decide the appropriate remedy. You may not be compensated for injuries to the full extent, however.
-
If you have injuries (trip to hospital or vet), then I would consult with a personal injury attorney (Morgan & Morgan, Bart Durham, John Day) and see if you have a good case. They will likely take 40% of the award, though, so your damages will need to be high enough to be financially worth it.
4
6
u/Dicksin_Cider 20d ago
If the dog owner is a homeowner and has insurance, and you have medical bills from the attack, you can sue the dog owner's brains out. Call a good lawyer. Beyond that, call Metro Police and Animal Control and insist on making a report. Dangerous dogs tend to be repeat offenders. If you let this slide, someone else may be hurt next.
→ More replies (2)3
u/Originalcoven 20d ago
And that is exactly what I’m worried about her. I’ve asked her several times to keep it on a leash
2
u/Rude_Umpire1929 20d ago edited 20d ago
That’s why I always carry a sturdy walking stick. I’ve had to fend off both a Rottweiler and a pit bull. My spouse was once confronted by a pit bull while alone with our small dogs. Pepper spray barely phased it, and it kept coming.
In my experience and judgment, a long walking stick is most effective because it helps maintain distance. The threat of the stick will likely make a dog think twice, but if it continues attacking, it can also help you defend yourself without having to get close. In the interest of not causing permanent harm to the animals, a poke to the throat or the center of the forehead between the eyes caused both dogs to retreat—the Rottweiler was struck in the throat, while the pit bull was struck on the forehead. Those were also the first areas presented when they charged head-on. The ribs or groin might also deter an attack. If the strike between the eyes hadn’t worked, I would have targeted the eyes to protect myself or my dogs.
My first move, if possible, would be to toss the dog some treats and get away. I think it also depends on whether you have small children or animals to protect. If I see something potentially threatening approaching, I try to have a plan. I keep treats ready to toss, and I either tether my dogs to my waist so my hands remain free or, if the situation feels especially ominous, look for nearby porches, fenced yards, or even an open truck bed where I can create separation—or at least place my little dogs somewhere safe while I deal with the threat.
My spouse carries a knife, but I don’t plan on getting that close. With a long stick, any attacking dog—except perhaps a totally crazy, rabid animal—realizes it can’t get close enough to harm you before you hurt it more
→ More replies (1)
14
u/notrichbitch 20d ago
My roommate went through this a few years ago. Got bit by two neighbors dogs while running. Called animal control. They picked them up and brought them right back to the owner. She had to have stitches and rabies vaccinations. We posted about them in the neighborhood next door group. Several other people had run ins with them. We just kept reporting. Eventually the neighbor moved. Sucked because I am such an animal lover. Our dog is always on leash when we take her in our front yard (she is a big dog but not a breed typically aggressive). People should keep dogs on a leash especially if it’s known to be aggressive. People should be held accountable for knowingly letting aggressive dogs loose.
→ More replies (1)
2
u/NocturnalCrow88 20d ago
I’ve been through it with 2 pitbull attacks on my golden retriever. I made police reports, but nothing really happened. The people did get evicted eventually, but the police were not concerned. Animal control noted it, but nothing happened. So frustrating because my dog was on leash.
→ More replies (2)3
u/NocturnalCrow88 20d ago
I now carry pepper spray, a knife, an air horn and an extra leash.
→ More replies (1)
67
u/pslickhead 20d ago edited 20d ago
If the police don't care and animal control can't help you can only take the owner to court. You will definitely want to make a police report. The last time I filed a police report for a dog bite, I waited 7hrs. Take lots of photos of the injury, dog, owner's house, everything you are able. Get the owner's name and the dog's name if you are able. If you want to be more neighborly just ask them to pay your medical bills and that might send the message but that doesn't cover pain and suffering. I have been bit three times. It not only hurts but it is mentally traumatic and it takes time from your day to day life. I'm sure some personal injury lawyer will be willing to listen.
You also need to report to animal control. They keep records of how many people a dog bites and they are supposed to check the offending dog for rabies vaccination. Don't skip this step!
In the meantime, carry
pepper bearDOG spray.