Who is at fault if an unleashed dog attacks a strong dog breed and nearly loses?

[Anonymous]

My friend's dog (female and our good friend too) is a strong dog breed that's misunderstood and many people fear it. However, there were several witnesses. Her dog didn't start the fight and was trying to get away at first.

An unleashed dog (also big) attacked my friend's dog, wouldn't stop and even drew blood. Her dog eventually fought back. The other dog was losing (got bloodied too) and would've gotten beaten the hell out of it if both dogs haven't been separated.

Since the other dog (the loser) was a bit more injured than my friend's dog but still put down, the other owner is still complaining and thinks my friend's dog needs to be taken away. Who is at fault?

[Anonymous]

I hate how some breeds of dogs are stereotyped as being aggressive when most of them are just wonderful loving animals who have been abused and betrayed by their caregivers.

The unleashed dog’s owner is definitely at fault here. They should’ve been able to control their dog to prevent an attack from happening. If they know that their dog is not dog friendly then they shouldn’t have kept the dog unleashed in an area where other dogs may be present. The owner was being irresponsible…

I wish both dogs a speedy recovery though, poor babies.

[Asker]

The other one was put down for the attack. My friend's dog is recovering fast. She's a very strong breed. She's very sweet but it was obvious that any dog that gets attacked like that and bloodied would fight back. She was defending herself and nearly would've beaten the other dog.

[Opinion Owner]

Oh no that’s super sad… but your friend’s dog is not at fault at all. You’re very right, she was just defending herself, she just happened to be stronger than the other dog. Even the most calm and composed person would fight back if someone came at them out of nowhere and unprovoked…

[Jessica405]

You don't say if the friend's dog was unleashed. I think in most cases, the aggressor is at fault, but courts would take into account if the victim dog was also unleashed.

[Asker]

My friend's dog was leased and well taken care of.

[Jessica405]

In which case, the PERSON in charge of the other doog is responsible. They should pay any vets bills you have incurred.

[Jessica405]

Doog? Oops!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[driven159]

unleashed dog owner this what they make leashes for not a real hard one there

[Anonymous]

"A dog breed that's misunderstood"

Aka a dog known for attacking.

[Asker]

The only difference is it was attacked by the other dog.

[Opinion Owner]

Yeah, that day. Doesn't mean the attacked dog won't become the attacker dog. But to answer the question, the aggressive dog's owner is to blame.

[slatyb]

The owner of the unleashed dog.

[Wise4myage]

The unleashed dogs owner.

[Asker]

True. I can't believe he still has the nerve to complain. My friend's dog is well socialized and trained. As much as she's very docile and sweet... any dog would've reacted like that... by fighting back after getting bloodied.

[Wise4myage]

If theirs any vet bills, make sure that person pays for them.

[grega239]

The owner.
Control your dog or dont have one

[Asker]

Exactly. Some people shouldn't own dogs; terrible owners. That dog picking up a fight with my friend's dog is like the equivalent of a random, average Joe sucker punching and attacking a martial artist by surprise and then get beaten up afterwards. The loser dog picked a fight it couldn't win.