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Kimber's been taken into custody!!

Kimbersmama

Well-Known Member
We went for our walk as usual and were headed home for the night. Our walks are really short. Just around the block, long enough for our infant to fall asleep. We were almost home when a GSD came running out into the road. She just stood there staring Kimber down and growling so we backed away and went to take another way home. This stupid dog came running after Kimber and bit her in her back! Kimber ripped the dog apart. The GSD is in the AC hospital and Animal control has taken Kimber too. She's only 9 months old! Animal control said that she'll receive treatment for her wounds there, but we aren't allowed to have her back until they decide whether or not she was acting out of self defense! ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?! The GSD was off leash with no owner in sight. I'm so fucking mad that I want to punch the owner in his face! I left a message for my lawyer, but I don't really know what to do! Kimber can't speak for herself! Please tell me that they won't put her down for her defending us! I'm in tears right now. She's usually the biggest chicken I've ever met. I didn't know she could even get that mad! I'm so sick to my stomach over this.
 

chuckorlando

Well-Known Member
If it's like here they will see if the dog is aggressive and if not they will return her. Messed up situation but I would think you will be fine.
 

CeeCee

Well-Known Member
I am so sorry this happened to Kimber. Most likely they will quarantine her for a few days while they sort it all out, but it sounds like you have a very strong case for getting her back quickly. She was not the aggressor, she was defending herself against an attack, and there were no people hurt. The other dog was not contained and was the aggressor.

Please keep us updated.
 

Hector

Well-Known Member
OMG I would be sooo pissed!! Hector would have done the same if he was in your dog's situation and he would have been put down because he is a nervous dog and he would growl when he's stared down and that would be labeled aggression. I really hope the animal control people knows what they're doing and look this over seriously.

I hope she comes home soon!
 

angelbears

Well-Known Member
Get all your records together. Shot records, vet visits, if you had a trainer get them involved. I would most definitely get a lawyer, especially if their tone does not change by in the morning.

Was your dog on a leash? Sounds as if she was. Do you always have your dog on leash? If so get the neighbors to give statements as such. Do you own detective work. Ask the neighbors about the GSD. Have they ever been charged by it or is it always off leash?

I am so sorry this has happened to Kimber and your family. The laws are never very clear and it seems that AC can do whatever they want to. Stay calm when dealing with them, that is unless it isn't getting you anywhere.
 

Bbb

Member
I would make it clear to AC that you were fearful for your infant, that the German shepherd was threatening you and your child and that your dog was defending you.
 

ruthcatrin

Well-Known Member
Check your local laws and get ready to pay the lawyer. Most everywhere e dog who's OFF leash is at fault, however you may have to force them to admit it.

And if they don't change their minds on that be prepared to hit the media. The dog protecting its owner and owners baby from an aggressive loose dog always makes a good story.....
 

angelbears

Well-Known Member
I can't stress enough how important it is to stay on top of this. I would be at their facility when they open in the morning. Not to scare you but a lot of these places are needle happy. I've read or seen too many stories on TV were the dogs are put down without due process. The best thing you can do is let them know that you care and that you will stay on top of it until you get your dog back.
 

DennasMom

Well-Known Member
OMG!!! Is right!

Keep after them, get anyone who knows the dog to write you a letter of recommendation on how well you are training and working with your PUPPY and how well he does on class.
Get neighbors to WRITE to you about how they appreciate you ALWAYS having your dog under control and on leash - and if they know him, that he's a great PUPPY and they are glad he defended you from the terrible GSD... and if they know the GSD, maybe they could point to that issue, too...

Any ammunition you can get and put in writing - and go visit AC and talk to everyone you can about how you miss your PUPPY and how great he was at defending you and your infant.
See if they will allow you to give him one of his pillows or blankets from home, so he'll be more comfortable while there, too... if he's feeling anxious that won't help him look good for the evaluators.

Good luck!
 

Bailey's Mom

Super Moderator
Super Moderator
Hire the lawyer, but hit the media. Contact major networks and milk it. Get her picture and pictures of you and the baby and the dog out there. It's media gold. They will run with it.
The AC are doing it by the book, so you need to know the rules of the book, you need to know the appeals procedures AND The Time Limitations for Those Appeals. Don't miss a filing date!!!
Get your ducks in a row. If you haven't done it already, sit down and write it out, In Minute Detail, every step you took from the time you left your home until the time of the attack And everything that happened afterwards.
Line up your character witnesses your neighbours, friends, AND as already mentioned, your trainer, if you had one. All your records re shots and health issues, everything.
Now, not to be too lurid, but you said Kimber ripped the dog apart...life threatening wounds or just punctures and tears? Really, it's just the optics...good press would help. Baby dog against GSD, David against Goliath.
From the limited amount of info you've provided, it looks pretty clear cut...self defense and defense of family - you did everything right. You retreated, your dog didn't challenge or threaten, she didn't throw the first punch. Hopefully she was leashed at the time of the incident. Keep calm, she fought for you, now you need to be prepared to fight for her. Hopefully, you won't have to. Good luck.
 

voidecho

Well-Known Member
It's too late now, but can they really just take your dog in a situation like this? If your dog is in your home can they come in and take it without a warrant? I know I'm not answering any of your questions, but I'm just wondering for future situations like this.

So sorry this happneed to you. I hope it all works out quickly.
 

Smart_Family

Dog Food Guru
It's too late now, but can they really just take your dog in a situation like this? If your dog is in your home can they come in and take it without a warrant? I know I'm not answering any of your questions, but I'm just wondering for future situations like this.

So sorry this happneed to you. I hope it all works out quickly.
Anytime there's any kind of dog fight they can seize your dog. Most families are incapable of performing a quarantine in their homes. It involves the dog being contained to one room and only let out to go to the bathroom. Also minimum touching and ideally only one adult would have minimum contact with the dog.
 

Smart_Family

Dog Food Guru
If there's a report of a dog fight, especially one with injuries they can as far as I know. Sometimes you can fight the quarantine if you have all your paperwork in hand but its really up to the acos.
 

Smart_Family

Dog Food Guru
It's not completely impossible to do a home quarantine but it can be difficult especially in a home with children. We did a lot of quarantines at the shelter. It was never fun for us or the dogs:(
 

musicdeb

Well-Known Member
OMG! I'm so sorry to hear this. That's why when I see another dog that Titan doesn't like, we haul ass away from the area. One time I stood between Titan and another dog because the dog kept approaching Titan. I yelled, kicked and screamed at the other dog. I almost drew my gun. Finally the dog got the message.

Because of Titan's size and breed, he would be to blame regardless that he is always on leash.

Please keep us posted. This breaks my heart. Sending hugs your way.
 

Kimbersmama

Well-Known Member
We called the pd as soon as it happened and AC followed. The GSD was hurt so bad she couldn't move. I was wrong though, Kimber is 10 months now. Crazy how time is flying by. I've spoke to my lawyer, the pd, AC, and the newspaper as of this morning. My lawyer is filing paperwork against the other owner homeowners insurance. The owners told the police that the GSD was losing her mind in her old age. She's 8. Apparently her behavior has just taken a turn within the past few months, but they didn't realize that she'd go off the deep end. The GSD will more than likely be put to sleep because of her age and injuries.
I don't understand how they could be so irresponsible. They KNEW she wasn't in her right mind and they let her off leash! What if my son would have been hurt? I don't blame the dog at all. I feel bad for her because if her owners had any sense then she would be living out her life at home. They said Kimber is okay though. We can't see her, but they let her have her rabbit we brought. She has a bite wound and a scuffed elbow, but seems okay overall. They're having someone assess her behavior today so we won't know anything else until tomorrow. My poor girl. I know she's scared! She's scared of her own shadow! I just want her home where she belongs.
 

angelbears

Well-Known Member
WOW! Is this the same dog?

I'm having a similar issue with someone and their German Shepard mix. They walk back to the fence through the neighbors yard and approach my yard and/or the dogs. I've saw the man standing there several times. I've asked him if there was something I could do to help him, trying not to be rude, but he does this while we're away. Freaks me out. I've posted no trespass signs and also guard dog on duty signs. I don't think my EMs would hurt him, but my lab is aggressive and WILL bite. I don't know if he's fascinated by them or if he has bad intentions, but it's unsettling! I'd say something to them if I were you. I've already alerted my other neighbors that I'll be making a complaint to the pd if he doesn't leave us alone. Hopefully they'll relay the information! It would suck to involve police, but you could at least have it documented in case something does happen.