Less than 30 minutes ago. Happened w/a dog I've reported to my apartment management for dog aggression.

I was on my way down the stairs (without Roger) and saw him. So I continued down the stairs, sticking to the wall on the right. The dog just jumped up on me and bit me, no hesitation.

My shirt is intact, but for some slobber. Looks like he did break the skin, though. I called the county PD non-emergency # and they are sending an ACO my way as we speak.

The guy flipped out when it happened...got in my face and threatened me, spewing profanity from an inch away.

He came by a few minutes later to talk, and I just said "too late" and closed the door.

Thoughts?

Get a copy of the police report. Keep your log about this dog/owner maintained. Keep your own dog(s) far from that guy and his dog, always.

Tell the LEO about being threatened. Tell the LEO about previous reporting to management.

(What in the world did he threaten you with?)

Well, my first thought upon reading your post, Ross, is what a moron your neighbor must be if he got in your face and threatened you after HIS dog bit YOU.

If the break in your skin is noticeable or if it turns into a bruise, get photos. Document all your dealings with this neighbor and his dog and keep copies of all reports you've made.

I would, of course, contact your apartment management again about this incident. Sadly, when things like this happen, many landlords eventually take the attitude that they will just ban dog ownership, period. Or institute a weight limit, like no dogs over 25 pounds (never understood that one). Nonetheless, for the sake of your safety and the safety of others, I think you should continue to take every (legal) course you can.

Here in my city, they take dog bites, aggression, Very Serious!
& they respond in minutes (I've called similar to your call)

A bite, not on my property, or not to a tresspasser, or threat, is next to a death sentence for a dog.

Why I have my dog so well trained.

 Quote: ross rapoport

Less than 30 minutes ago. Happened w/a dog I've reported to my apartment management for dog aggression.

I was on my way down the stairs (without Roger) and saw him. So I continued down the stairs, sticking to the wall on the right. The dog just jumped up on me and bit me, no hesitation.

My shirt is intact, but for some slobber. Looks like he did break the skin, though. I called the county PD non-emergency # and they are sending an ACO my way as we speak.

The guy flipped out when it happened...got in my face and threatened me, spewing profanity from an inch away.

He came by a few minutes later to talk, and I just said "too late" and closed the door.

Thoughts?

Hey Ross,

Even if the bite is not bad, but did break the skin - be certain your tetanus is up to date. If it's a puncture and you have ??'s about how to treat it, feel free to PM me.

This really sucks. Hope they haul that guy away - and I'm glad Roger wasn't with you and is ok.

D

OUCH!
Good luck with the cops, and the neighbor. Sounds like a crummy Saturday all around.

Advice?

Start looking for a new place to live; chances are the landlord is about to adopt a no-dog policy.

I was about to say the same thing as Aaron. But if there are so many tenants, all with dogs, it might be ok, as they would not want to have a mass exodus from the complex.
But if there are only a few who have dogs, that might very well be the case.

I am sorry this happened to you Ross.

Last summer an agressive boxer mix (nothing against boxers) went after Finn when he was 10 weeks old. Then the dog tried staring down my 3 year old at the time. Not smart. We called the police, they sent someone out, spoke to my husband and I both. They also made a file about this dog. Since I live in an apartment complex with 15 buildings spread out in the area, all are dog friendly and almost ALL have dogs.

Course of action taken by the Landlord:
1. Owner had to move his dogs off premisis.
2. They could visit during the day, they could NOT overnight what so ever.
3. Weight limit went into place. 35 lbs and under. (Finn is that now, why we are cracking down on his behaviors)
4. Breed restrictions. What they consider to be more aggressive breeds.
5. Offered the boxer's owner the options: a) We will let you out of your lease. b) We will move you to a different apartment in a different building. (He lived directly behind us in the same building. Each building has 6 apartments to each side. 2 and 3 bedrooms depending on what apartment you have.)

Side note: If they do put in a weight limit. You would have to ask to be grandfathered in under the old rules that applied for no weight or breed limits. This should still be in effect because hopefully you have a pet policy that dates back to when you first rented/got your dog. The new rule usually (if you have a landlord willing to work with all the dog owners and there are no complaints about your dog) applies only for new tenants. We still have dogs here that are bigger then 40lbs. Lots of labs, two Malinois, and one boxer.

Document, Document, Document. Take pictures. I also hope that if the dog owner doesn't move, make sure to document if he tries to retaliate. Our problem owner did, he then moved out 2 months late when our landlord laughed at him.

Edited by Mary McKeever (04/02/2011 03:15 PM)
Edit reason: Forgot info.

Ross, I hope you're OK...
I'm assuming this is the next door guy with the two dogs you posted about extensively in February?

I get chills when I read about dogs that just inexplicably go after adults. But then, I am from SF and all it takes for memories of worst case scenarios are two words, "Diane Whipple" so like Theresa mentioned, we are pretty zero tolerant here now.

http://www.dogbitelaw.com/PAGES/Whipple.html

Please keep us posted -apartment neighbors complained previously in the above mentioned case as well -to obvious no avail. Just do whatever it takes to keep everyone there safe -this is inexcusable...