If My Dog Injures A Cat ...

[ladybirder]

that regularly comes into my garden to do its business and kill the birds, would I be in trouble with the law. The owner doesn't care.

[Ken4155]

My dog is scared of cats. Oh he'll bark like mad and growl all day long if they park their buts on my shed roof or back-yard wall. But when we're out walking, he gives any cats he sees a very, very wide berth. Real cardboard Rambo :-)

[pixie374]

My gran used to leave bottles of water (replaced from lemonade) in her garden, which did seem to keep cats out.
Wandering, is what cats do. Seeing them as prey, is what dogs do. I imagine, if it's in your garden, and you have warned them... I can't see what more you can do.

[woofgang]

pixie cat owners can proof their gardens or create catios. Cat do not have to wander.

[barry1010]

It's cruel to keep a cat that wants to be out caged up - no matter how big the cage. I've said it before - it's like keeping a golden eagle in a parrot cage.

[woofgang]

barry people secure their entire gardens for the cat. I don't see why cat owners should expect to use other people's private spaces. https://protectapet.com/pages/how-it-works?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9_-Dqbf-8AIVOYBQBh23mw9aEAAYASAAEgLxQ_D_BwE

[pixie374]

I don't think that is fair, woof. But also, I don't see that anyone else is responsible if something happens. In normal life, there are risks.

[barry1010]

I know some owners do that but it doesn't help the cat's instinct to roam and interact with other cats.

[barry1010]

Equally I think my neighbour is very cruel even though his Alsation is treated very kindly and is in excellent health.
They have huge grounds but the dog has never, ever been taken out, never met another dog, never gone on a long run or even a short walk.

[ladybirder]

I agree with you Barry, to have never have been given the chance to mix with its own kind is particularly cruel as well as never walking it. I hope it is happy.

[Arrods]

Not entirely relevant, but cats are not amongst those animals that you are required to stop and report if you run over them.

[woofgang]

pixie "I don't think that is fair, woof. But also, I don't see that anyone else is responsible if something happens. In normal life, there are risks. "

But why should I have to dispose of a cat corpse, including telling the owners, take my injured dog to the vets, clear up cat mess and protect the birds who feed in my garden just because someone else wants to own a cat?

[woofgang]

The dog may be very happy. Not all dogs like other dogs or can be "taught" to and if the grounds are extensive and the dog has free run of them, surely its in a better situation than a city dwelling dog who is never off the lead?

[pixie374]

You don't actually have to, woof. If your dog gets injured and you can prove it's the cat, then maybe. But the rest is down to your conscience, not law.

[pixie374]

UK law is that cats are treated as wild animals...

//Cats cannot 'trespass'
The law relating to trespass in the context of domestic animals is found in the Animals Act 1971. However, cats enjoy a unique position as the Animals Act 1971 does not apply to them. This is how cats have this 'right to roam' and they cannot, therefore, trespass in the legal sense.//

[burlyshirley]

My dog would absolutely HATE not going out for walks, she loves other dogs and only today had a great run around in the park with a little dog she's never met before - such fun ..

Dogs are sociable animals.

[woofgang]

pixie"You don't actually have to, woof. If your dog gets injured and you can prove it's the cat, then maybe. But the rest is down to your conscience, not law"
so I leave the corpse to rot in my garden? both times my dogs were attacked I saw the cat do it and what should I do about the cat poo? of course I have to clear up the dead cat and the poo.
or did you mean something else?

[woofgang]

"
burley shirley"My dog would absolutely HATE not going out for walks, she loves other dogs and only today had a great run around in the park with a little dog she's never met before - such fun ..

Dogs are sociable animals. "

some are and some are not, just like people.

[pixie374]

It's a law thread, woof- it isn't about opinions. Legally, you can do what you like about it, or nothing. It's up to you.

[woofgang]

I'd rather not deal with corpses, cat poo and injured animals. There are definitely things that cat owners can do.

[pixie374]

Again, preferences aren't law. It might be a different matter in A&N or CB... but not on a Law thread.