My Dog Attacks Another Dog – Will It Be Put Down?

There are times when your dog attacks another dog that would incur medical expenses.

It usually happens when a dog feels threatened or scared.

If you own a dog, you might wonder if it will be put down after attacking another animal.

My dog attacked another dog will it be put down

How Does One Know Whether a Dog Should Be Put Down After the Attack?

We first must understand that many factors play a role in determining whether a dog that attacked another should be put down or not.

These factors include:

1. Severity of the Attack

As you can imagine, the more severe the attack was, the higher the chances are that the attacking dog would need to be put down.

If the attack wasn’t severe enough to cause any severe injuries, it might be possible for the dog to be rehabilitated.

2. Damage Done to the Victim

This factor is crucial when deciding whether a dog should be put down or rehabilitated.

It is usually good news for the attacking dog’s owner if the victim suffered only minor injuries.

Can your dog be put down for attacking another dog

On the other hand, if the victim suffered significant injuries such as broken bones, it is more likely for the dog to be put down.

3. History of Aggression

If your dog has a history of attacking other dogs, the chances of it being put down increase.

You will also be recommended to keep him away from people and animals until he learns how to behave appropriately around them.

4. The Breed of the Dog

Some species, like pit bulls, are known to be aggressive and are at higher risk of being put down for aggression issues.

5. Whether the Dog Was Provoked

Knowing whether another dog or its owner provoked the dog is helpful.

For example, when a person throws a ball at your dog, he may get angry and attack.

How To Stop Your Dog from Attacking Another Dog

If you ever consider stopping your dog when it’s already attacking another dog, then it’s very important to stay calm.

In the same way, you should be firm with the position you are assuming and assertive enough to quell the attack.

You must avoid shouting or imbibing aggression at all costs, like hitting your dog or the other dog.

In this situation, you must possess the strength to stop the dog fight by twisting the aggressor’s collar, if it has one, and lifting its hind legs away from the fight.

Put a significant distance between two dogs and ensure that you have someone stop the other dog from following your direction too.

You could cut the fight in seconds if you do your intervention properly.

But when done poorly, you might end up injuring yourself.

Therefore, aside from ensuring that you keep both dogs safe and avoid suffering unnecessary consequences, you must also ensure your safety.

You must know what you are doing.

Will a Dog Be Put Down After Attacking Another Dog?

In most cases, the answer to this question is NO.

Still, a dog who attacks another animal incurs medical expenses.

Therefore, the owner has to bear these costs.

Here Is What Happens if a Dog Attacks Another Dog in the USA

  1. In the USA, a dog owner is liable for damages caused by their dog, regardless of whether the dog was provoked.
    It includes physical injuries as well as mental suffering.
    If the injured dog lives, the owner is liable for veterinary bills incurred during its treatment.
    If the injured pet dies from being mauled by the dog, the owner may face criminal charges.
  2. The law states that a dog owner can get compensation only if he proves that his dog did not act aggressively.
  3. The court may award punitive damages if the injured party wins the case.
    These are meant to punish the owner.
    Punitive damages are awarded based on the severity of the attack.
  4. An owner cannot avoid liability simply by claiming that his dog acted defensively.
  5. The United States laws do not allow for the killing of any animal that has been involved in the act of aggression.
    It is only permitted when the animal suffers from severe injuries and cannot survive without medical treatment.
    Even though the law does not allow for the death penalty, many states have rules regarding this issue.
    For example, some states require owners to pay for the damages caused by their pets.
    Others also charge them for having committed animal cruelty.
  6. In New York State, an owner who lets their dog fight with another face up to three years in prison.
    On the other hand, the same crime can lead to a fine of $500 or six months in jail in California.
  7. You can put your dog down in some places, such as Florida if it bites someone.
    However, you cannot put it down t in other areas, such as New York.

How About in the UK?

  1. In the UK, a dog that attacks another animal is considered dangerous.
    Therefore, it is illegal to keep a dangerous animal in the house.
  2. It is also illegal to sell a dangerous animal to anyone else.
    If the owner fails to comply with these regulations, the police can seize the animal.
  3. The owner can be fined if the animal is ill or suffering from a disease.
    However, if the animal is healthy, the owner can face two years in prison.
  4. If a dog bites another dog, which happens twice within a month, the owner may be forced to pay compensation to the owner of the damaged animal.
  5. In England and Wales, the Animal Welfare Act 2006 requires that dogs be kept under control not to injure others.
    The owner is also required to keep the dog away from other animals.
  6. In Scotland, a dog owner is legally required to prevent their dog from harming another living thing.
    The law states that a dog that harms another animal can be put down.
    However, the owner can appeal against this verdict.

Conclusion

The laws regarding dogs vary significantly across the world. Some countries have different rules than those in the United States.

For example, in the UK, a dog can be put down if it bites someone more than once a month.

However, in the United States, you cannot kill a dog unless it has committed a serious crime.

Therefore, you must check the local laws to know whether your dog will be put down.