So at the dog park this evening my dogs ear got bit. I didn't see who did it but piecing together the sounds coming from a bull terrier while my back was turned and the fact that the owners were constantly telling the dog "no" when it approached another dog, I'm guessing he made a warning snap towards my dog, and the ear didn't get out of the way in time. Unfortunately though, no one saw exactly what happened and the owners of the other dog are saying "well there was a pack of dogs there, so we don't know who it was." However, thats where their attitude towards their dog interacting with other dogs comes into play.

So who pays the vet bill? The urgent care estimate for Adobe Animal Hospital in Los Altos is $800 - $1,200 for 24 hours of care, the final bill is unknown but he most likely will be there less than 24 hours.

Does the other party pay in full? Do you split it? If you split it, is it 50/50 or 25/75?

I know its part of owning a dog, but I should be able to bring my dog to the park without having to worry about having to go to the vet 5 minutes later.

Mods: feel free to add a "other party, split 50/50, split 25/75" poll

 

If you didn't see it and the owners won't fess up, you're kinda SOL and stuck with it.

How bad was the bite? Pictures?

 

photo to influence your opinion

 

Section of ear hanging off is about 1 1/4" wide and 3/4" tall. Yeah, I know there's no leg to stand on really when only reasoning out the situation.

 

Are there any leash laws at this particular park? And if so, were both dogs in compliance?
I mean, it is a dog park, and dogs will be dogs...it is up to the owners of the animals to control the dogs while in the designated environment. Leaving you, the owner of a wounded dog, to pick up the vet bill. Maybe watch the dog a little better, and don't let it get away from you.
My .02 cents

Very cute dog by the way. You have to realize that some owners just let their dogs run in a dog park, like it is a playground. Unfortunate that the cute little pups are usually the ones getting picked on when mom and dad aren't looking. I hope the pup feels better soon.

 

It is a dog park, so dogs are off leash. The rules include not allow dogs into the park that are questionable around other dogs. And being responsible for controlling your animal means the owners of the dog at fault are responsible for the bill.

Given the other dogs protectiveness of the toy he always has and the anxiousness displayed by his owners whenever he is focused on another dog tells me that he isn't great with other dogs. That is why I don't view it as "We don't know who did it, so I'll pay the bill." If my assumptions of their dogs typically attitude is correct, I'd say the fairest split is 25% me, 75% them.