How to handle a dog attack?

[Rob, Stacy, Garmisch & Wembley]

My mom was out walking her 6 pound Yorkiepoo last night and a loose black lab ran across the street and grabbed the yorkie in his mouth and shook him like a rag doll.  My mom is 72 and is not much of a match for a big dog, but she said the owner ran over, got his dog and left.  She ended up taking the pup to the emergency vet to get treated for multiple puncture wounds and had drain tubes installed.

Having never been in this situation I'm wondering what the proper way to handle this is?  Is the owner of the attacking dog responsible for any vet costs?  Should it be reported to Animal Control? 

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I would have called the police and reported it immediately.  I would have insisted in getting the owners name.  The owner is responsible.  What a terrifying ordeal for your mother.  I do hope her little dog recovers fully.

[Linda Karell]

I think this is something we all fear--and I can really see what a disadvantage a 6 pound dog is at!  I hope Scully improves rapidly and the owner of the other dog is held responsible.  A dog came barrelling at Chervil during a walk once, and I got all big and scarey (think Frankenstein's monster), and it stopped in its tracks and retreated.  Sheer instinct, but I'm not your mom's age, either.  I've also heard that dogs' ears are very sensitive, and that, if faced with a dog fight, twisting the attacking dog's ears can back them off.  Of course, by then you've waded into the fight already. . .   I only hope Chervil is never seriously attacked, as I'm sure I'd get mauled, too, fighting it out.  Best wishes again to Scully and your mom.  Keep us posted!

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

YES he should be reported! Animal Control probably but not sure if the Police. Does she know the dog owner? They should really offer to take care of Vet bills. I don't think it's a law but it is common sense. the other thing is if there is a leash law that person is in violation and then yes the Police should be notified.

I hope your poor Mom is okay and especially the Yorki.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

OMD - I just read the other responses and the situation. This is beyond sickening....that poor little guy, those people clearly did not learn.

Call the Police!

[Rob, Stacy, Garmisch & Wembley]

So she talked to the police and they knew right away who it was.  The cop said it has happened more than a few times, but the problem is the guy has 2 dogs and she doesn't know which one it was.  So we'll see what happens there.

It makes it worse that it's a repeat offender.  At least she is retired now and can give Scully her full attention (she said she's been holding him for 24 hours straight now). 

[Bonnie and Kona]

These irresponsible people own more than one dog and just because they can't prove which one it was the police aren't doing anything??? ARRGH! 

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I was thinking the same thing as Bonnie! This is ridiculous!!! How many animals must be injured or killed by these dogs before action is taken! Outrageous!!!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Happened before more than once and they still don't leash them???? Ticket the guy and say it's their last chance.

Stupid people.

[Jersey, Jasmine, Jypsy and Diane]

I was watching a dog show in PA years ago and they were doing "sits and downs" in a Novice class, off leash.  A golden retriever and another smaller dog were "eyeing each other" and I said to my daughter, "there's going to be a fight." Sure enough, as soon as the judge said to return to your dogs, the golden went after the other dog. The golden would not let go of the smaller dog, people were punching and kicking the golden and he would not let go. The group went wild, screaming and crying, which probably only made it worse. Someone came up and grabbed the goldens back legs and twisted it to the side and it finally let go. The woman and her dog rushed off, both bleeding and headed to the vet for treatment. I didn't see what happened to the golden in all the excitement. The lady whose dog was bitten, came back later in the day with her arm bandaged, said her dog was being treated. She came back to get her qualifying ribbon. What a day!

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

I would hope that either the police or animal control would remove all dogs from the owner as he violated leash laws more than once

[Carla, Lucca and Izzy]

I agree.....ALL dogs should be removed from that owners home. Just because they can't prove which dog did it is no excuse. These dogs have already caused horrific damage to other dogs.

We had a situation at the dog park one day with a dog latching onto a smaller dog's ear and he wouldn't release. Te owners were screaming not knowing what to do. My friend threw bottled water on the dog and he  finally released. We all usually carry water with us.

[Katie, John & Parker pup]

Boy are they ever responsible! And for them to have just left with their dog....that's beyond rude and ridiculous!