dog bit delivery mans finger

howyegettinon1

my dog just bit delivery man, he said he has to report it.

Whats next or what to expect?

Garden is fenced off properly, has an electric fence as well to keep dogs away from the fence and a large farm gate about chest high.

Brave delivery man first tried to open the gate and stroll in well aware of the two dogs barking at him, bullmastif and cocker. My friend waved from inside the house and told him to wait

He was leaning over the gate with his two hands and notepad, as my friend walked up to him the two dogs were at his hip going mad at the delivery man, the postman stuck his hands further over the fence to show his notepad and the bulmastiff snatched his finger.

Not trying to fluff up story - have it on CCTV - might post the link

I recon it's your mans fault for not being cautious and swinging his arms around over the gate, house is properly fenced and has a postbox outside for a reason. ---- only thing I'm missing is a beware of dog sign....... on my to do list....

Don't think he has a right for a claim, what you think?

If he had an ounce of cop on he would've took out his phone and rang you to come out and sign for the package.

Melendez

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eviltwin

So he wasn't actually on your property when this happened? I don't know legally where you stand but he would have to report it to his manager especially if it required taking a break from work for treatment.

Agree that blaming him isn't helpful. What happens when other callers come to the house, people passing etc.

You probably won't be allowed post the link here btw

nhunter100

howyegettinon1 wrote:

my dog just bit delivery man, he said he has to report it.

So was it a delivery man or postman ? Was it a letter which would fit in a postbox or was it a parcel that required a signature?

howyegettinon1

Melendez wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

I only seen from cameras, but finger was bleeding kinda heavy apparently, and I've no problem if he has to follow procedure and report it. He was kind of alright about the situation but wasn't too happy obviously.

My dogs are under control they are on my property and fenced in and behind an electric fence.

Not blaming the victim here but a bit of cop on goes a long way, if there is a 50kg dog going mental at me over a fence or gate there not a hope i would put myself in a position where it can reach me. and if i do i would take responsibility for sticking my hand in

eviltwin

I think by staying outside the property he was being careful. He is not to blame here. It's your duty to ensure your dogs are under control at all times, that includes while they are on your property.

emeldc

It reminds me of the guy who got €7k after being bitten through the letterbox. I didn't agree with it at the time but it might set a precedent.

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/pizza-delivery-man-gets-7000-after-dog-bites-hand-through-letterbox-29064094.html

howyegettinon1

eviltwin wrote: »

So he wasn't actually on your property when this happened? I don't know legally where you stand but he would have to report it to his manager especially if it required taking a break from work for treatment.

Agree that blaming him isn't helpful. What happens when other callers come to the house, people passing etc.

You probably won't be allowed post the link here btw

No it wasn't on my property, he was over the other side of the gate and leaned over to show his notepad or get a signature, he just didn't expect the dog would pounce for him

The dogs bark at people passing by they don't go too close to fence because they are afraid of the electric fence, it's a back country road and the fence is away from any passers by at least 6-8 feet if they are on my side of the road.
So on a normal day there about 20 feet from the dog to the person walking by

Postman has a door bell to ring when he needs a signature and people know not to stroll in unless the dogs know them

Zulu

howyegettinon1 wrote: »

My dogs are under control ...

Well apparently not, unless you wanted them to bite him.

Not blaming the victim here but a bit of cop on goes a long way,

Sadly not everyone has cop on. Imagine if this was a child. Take this as a warning; you need to reassess how close your dog gets to the public. You are responsible.

howyegettinon1

nhunter100 wrote: »

So was it a delivery man or postman ? Was it a letter which would fit in a postbox or was it a parcel that required a signature?

NEW delivery man, and signature I think

nhunter100

howyegettinon1 wrote:

NEW delivery man, and signature I think

So why didn't you leave instructions that there was a bell to ring for a signature? New delivery man didn't know the story. Sorry but I think you are fully are fault here. However if there is a claim your home insurance will to the best of my knowledge cover it.

Melendez

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howyegettinon1

eviltwin wrote: »

I think by staying outside the property he was being careful. He is not to blame here. It's your duty to ensure your dogs are under control at all times, that includes while they are on your property.

the dogs are there to keep people out, that's their job to warn me and go for anyone trespassing

anyone that has a need to come onto the property, gets introduced to the dog properly by me and the dogs are fine but still cautious of the stranger

pilly

You're totally to blame here OP. This man was trying to carry out his job and the dog bit him. No ifs ands and buts about it.

You say people know not to go near the dog like people are psychic. A lot of people would presume a dog not on a lease is not vicious.

A dog is not under control if it bites someone.

howyegettinon1

nhunter100 wrote: »

So why didn't you leave instructions that there was a bell to ring for a signature? New delivery man didn't know the story. Sorry but I think you are fully are fault here. However if there is a claim your home insurance will to the best of my knowledge cover it.

bell is hidden for a reason, anyone can come around ringing to see if the house is empty, postmen or delivery men know where it is

only thing I am missing is a beware of dog sign

dogs were clearly visible anyway so don't think instructions are relevant in this case

Melendez

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rainbowtrout

howyegettinon1 wrote: »

No it wasn't on my property, he was over the other side of the gate and leaned over to show his notepad or get a signature, he just didn't expect the dog would pounce for him

The dogs bark at people passing by they don't go too close to fence because they are afraid of the electric fence, it's a back country road and the fence is away from any passers by at least 6-8 feet if they are on my side of the road.
So on a normal day there about 20 feet from the dog to the person walking by

Postman has a door bell to ring when he needs a signature and people know not to stroll in unless the dogs know them

And how was the delivery man supposed to know that? He didn't provoke your dogs, he stayed outside and looked for a signature. He put his hand over the fence for the signature, and was bitten without provocation. How can that be his fault?

pilly

howyegettinon1 wrote: »

the dogs are there to keep people out, that's their job to warn me and go for anyone trespassing

anyone that has a need to come onto the property, gets introduced to the dog properly by me and the dogs are fine but still cautious of the stranger

So you shouldn't order something that requires delivery then or if you do you need to inform the delivery person that they are not to go near your property.

eviltwin

howyegettinon1 wrote: »

the dogs are there to keep people out, that's their job to warn me and go for anyone trespassing

anyone that has a need to come onto the property, gets introduced to the dog properly by me and the dogs are fine but still cautious of the stranger

They can do that without biting someone. You can't leave dogs in a garden if there is a chance they might attack. You are lucky it was just a finger tbh.

cocker5

OP Do you have signs at the front of the property saying beware of dogs?
Do not enter while dogs loose?

rainbowtrout

howyegettinon1 wrote: »

the dogs are there to keep people out, that's their job to warn me and go for anyone trespassing

anyone that has a need to come onto the property, gets introduced to the dog properly by me and the dogs are fine but still cautious of the stranger

So your dogs job is to attack people. The vast majority of people that call to houses aren't trespassers looking to break in. This guy was just doing his job. Sounds like your dogs are primed to attack people. This is all on you. If a delivery man is just trying to deliver a parcel to you and you don't have instructions to stay outside the gate, no beware of the dog sign, a hidden bell, and your dogs reason for being outside is to 'go for anyone trespassing' you are the one at fault.

billie1b

eviltwin wrote: »

I think by staying outside the property he was being careful. He is not to blame here. It's your duty to ensure your dogs are under control at all times, that includes while they are on your property.

No he didn't, he crossed the boundry with his hands, that is on the persons property

"Brave delivery man first tried to open the gate and stroll in well aware of the two dogs barking at him, bullmastif and cocker. My friend waved from inside the house and told him to wait

He was leaning over the gate with his two hands and notepad, as my friend walked up to him the two dogs were at his hip going mad at the delivery man, the postman stuck his hands further over the fence to show his notepad and the bulmastiff snatched his finger."

Whether it be an inch or a mile he proceeded to place his hands in an unknown property with dogs there. 100% the delivery guys fault, he should have rang the number on the package.

eviltwin

billie1b wrote: »

No he didn't, he crossed the boundry with his hands, that is on the persons property

"Brave delivery man first tried to open the gate and stroll in well aware of the two dogs barking at him, bullmastif and cocker. My friend waved from inside the house and told him to wait

He was leaning over the gate with his two hands and notepad, as my friend walked up to him the two dogs were at his hip going mad at the delivery man, the postman stuck his hands further over the fence to show his notepad and the bulmastiff snatched his finger."

Whether it be an inch or a mile he proceeded to place his hands in an unknown property with dogs there. 100% the delivery guys fault, he should have rang the number on the package.

Good luck getting that to hold up in court. Putting your hand over a gate to hand a delivery to someone is not on their property.

This is not the guys fault at all. The owner is solely responsible for keeping the dogs under control.

stefanovich

Zulu wrote:

Well apparently not, unless you wanted them to bite him.

Why does your dog bite people to begin with? Mine would only bite if they thought I was in danger.

tk123

I hope the driver does a quick Google and sees your attitude OP - it's not coming across very well in this thread! :rolleyes:

Melendez

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nhunter100

howyegettinon1 wrote:

bell is hidden for a reason, anyone can come around ringing to see if the house is empty, postmen or delivery men know where it is

You said 'NEW' delivery man so sorry unless you left instructions with the company he delivers for I don't see how you can avoid responsibility.

howyegettinon1

pilly wrote: »

You're totally to blame here OP. This man was trying to carry out his job and the dog bit him. No ifs ands and buts about it.

You say people know not to go near the dog like people are psychic. A lot of people would presume a dog not on a lease is not vicious.

A dog is not under control if it bites someone.

Totally agree if you are if this was out in a public place
It wasn't
Dogs are there to protect the private property, trespassing is illegal

On average 2 post men get bitten a week or a day in Ireland, so I'm sure its in their training not to approach dogs and to be on the cautious side

I walk past houses with massive dogs barking, I stay the F*** away and would throw stones at someones house for attention before trying to stroll in on to the property on the assumption that the dog is friendly.......while its barking at me....

howyegettinon1

nhunter100 wrote: »

You said 'NEW' delivery man so sorry unless you left instructions with the company he delivers for I don't see how you can avoid responsibility.

very easily, UN-delivered, dogs out on property, didn't go in - rescheduled for another day

Or try ringing....

He was not on my property just to make that clear again, and the dogs were out in plain view, barking(not being friendly)

nhunter100

billie1b wrote:

Whether it be an inch or a mile he proceeded to place his hands in an unknown property with dogs there. 100% the delivery guys fault, he should have rang the number on the package.

So there was a number on the package? OP never said this he also said he did not think it was necessary to leave instructions about a bell. As for claiming the delivery man is 100% at fault you're a 100% wrong.

pilly

howyegettinon1 wrote: »

Totally agree if you are if this was out in a public place
It wasn't
Dogs are there to protect the private property, trespassing is illegal

On average 2 post men get bitten a week or a day in Ireland, so I'm sure its in their training not to approach dogs and to be on the cautious side

I walk past houses with massive dogs barking, I stay the F*** away and would throw stones at someones house for attention before trying to stroll in on to the property on the assumption that the dog is friendly.......while its barking at me....

He was not trespassing, he had his hand over the gate.

I don't agree dogs are for protecting private property but if you do that's your prerogative.

Your attitude is awful OP and I don't think anyone can give you advice here other than good luck in court with that.

billie1b

eviltwin wrote: »

Good luck getting that to hold up in court. Putting your hand over a gate to hand a delivery to someone is not on their property.

This is not the guys fault at all. The owner is solely responsible for keeping the dogs under control.

Eh yeah I have actually been to court about it, back in 2009, child put their hand through my fence with a German Shepherd in the garden, he's there to protect the property.
Child got bitten on the hand, nothing too bad but the parents came around with the Garda and Dog Warden wanting the dog put down, I produced evidence of a post box on my boundary wall and signs stating 'do not enter without owners consent' and 'danger guard dog' on my garden gates. Judge threw it out, my Shepherd is still in my garden, 12 years of age. Kids will be kids snd explore etc but I won't be putting my family pet down for their stupidity. As the judge said, my garden wall and gates are my boundary to my house, as soon as part of your body passes this boundary you are now tresspassing.

Elemonator

howyegettinon1 wrote: »

Totally agree if you are if this was out in a public place
It wasn't
Dogs are there to protect the private property, trespassing is illegal

On average 2 post men get bitten a week or a day in Ireland, so I'm sure its in their training not to approach dogs and to be on the cautious side

I walk past houses with massive dogs barking, I stay the F*** away and would throw stones at someones house for attention before trying to stroll in on to the property on the assumption that the dog is friendly.......while its barking at me....

Trespass doesn't even come into this situation.

archer22

howyegettinon1 wrote: »

No it wasn't on my property, he was over the other side of the gate and leaned over to show his notepad or get a signature, he just didn't expect the dog would pounce for him

The dogs bark at people passing by they don't go too close to fence because they are afraid of the electric fence, it's a back country road and the fence is away from any passers by at least 6-8 feet if they are on my side of the road.
So on a normal day there about 20 feet from the dog to the person walking by

Postman has a door bell to ring when he needs a signature and people know not to stroll in unless the dogs know them

So the guy was leaning over the gate to show his notepad...which meant you were on other side with Dogs.So why did you not bring your Dogs under control when you were there with them.

howyegettinon1

Melendez wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

I am curious on whether a claim can be made here on not, and to be honest i font mind giving the guy a hundred quid to cover AandE visit and the tetnis shot.

Oh yeah there is no way I would disclose the intentions of biting people on any legal grounds. only saying it here

pilly

howyegettinon1 wrote: »

very easily, UN-delivered, dogs out on property, didn't go in - rescheduled for another day

Or try ringing....

He was not on my property just to make that clear again, and the dogs were out in plain view, barking(not being friendly)

You're contradicting yourself all over the place.

He was not on your property but it was the dog's job to protect your property? Which is it.

By the way, neither is a defence. You're at fault.

howyegettinon1

archer22 wrote: »

So the guy was leaning over the gate to show his notepad...which meant you were on other side with Dogs.So why did you not bring your Dogs under control when you were there with them.

man... read the OP, not me, wasn't there, viewed this from CCTV

scamalert

ah sucks OP,if living rural any chance to get in touch with the guy,and dunno cover couple hundred euro if guy agrees.While the report if its post,most likely they wont be delivering mail to you or smth in that matter before you solve the issue.

happened couple times for me,now my dog is mixed breed collie with smth small,so its mid size dog,so once adopted from previous owners knew f all about dog,since no harm to kids toddlers and basically too friendly,half a year in or so,an post had delivery so open the doors and dog runs out,now this crap with running away happened million times,but this time dog turns around and jumps postman barking,guy got **** scared and kicked the dog,he was majorly pissed,but that was it,not getting deliveries anymore from an post or prepare in advance if i do.

few more other times happened with couriers dog would try to snap the scanner or jump and bark on the guys,good for me got to know most of them and they would be aware,and nowadays once delivery is due the ring and wait outside gate for me to come out.

one time even got call that letter was sent back because dog was on premises,keep dog always inside thus whenever mail comes it its tug of war to get it all in-to say the least installed mailbox outside for piece of mind.

point being sometimes its easy to overestimate dogs,some can be go happy,but protect home when not needed.luckily in my case ended up with pissed off postman,guess bite is more serious,but would try to rectify with cash and explanation.

Since way law works if postman was to complain or go to lawyer could end up bad,in this country.

nhunter100

billie1b wrote:

signs stating 'do not enter without owners consent' and 'danger guard dog' on my garden gates. Judge threw it out, my Shepherd is still in my garden, 12 years of age. Kids will be kids snd explore etc but I won't be putting my family pet down for their stupidity. As the judge said, my garden wall and gates are my boundary to my house, as soon as part of your body passes this boundary you are now tresspassing.

Thing is the OP has no signs or warnings up. So he has a certain % of liability here.

pilly

billie1b wrote: »

Eh yeah I have actually been to court about it, back in 2009, child put their hand through my fence with a German Shepherd in the garden, he's there to protect the property.
Child got bitten on the hand, nothing too bad but the parents came around with the Garda and Dog Warden wanting the dog put down, I produced evidence of a post box on my boundary wall and signs stating 'do not enter without owners consent' and 'danger guard dog' on my garden gates. Judge threw it out, my Shepherd is still in my garden, 12 years of age. Kids will be kids snd explore etc but I won't be putting my family pet down for their stupidity. As the judge said, my garden wall and gates are my boundary to my house, as soon as part of your body passes this boundary you are now tresspassing.

See the difference here? You had signs saying "don't enter without owners consent" and "danger guard dog".

OP did not.

nhunter100

howyegettinon1 wrote:

very easily, UN-delivered, dogs out on property, didn't go in - rescheduled for another day

Or you could have stated you will make collection yourself from the depot. Works both ways .

eviltwin

billie1b wrote: »

Eh yeah I have actually been to court about it, back in 2009, child put their hand through my fence with a German Shepherd in the garden, he's there to protect the property.
Child got bitten on the hand, nothing too bad but the parents came around with the Garda and Dog Warden wanting the dog put down, I produced evidence of a post box on my boundary wall and signs stating 'do not enter without owners consent' and 'danger guard dog' on my garden gates. Judge threw it out, my Shepherd is still in my garden, 12 years of age. Kids will be kids snd explore etc but I won't be putting my family pet down for their stupidity. As the judge said, my garden wall and gates are my boundary to my house, as soon as part of your body passes this boundary you are now tresspassing.

Very surprised at that tbh. I didn't think those signs excused owner liability.

Melendez

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nuckeythompson

Similar happened to a friend of mine. His German Shepard bit a child's finger. The child put her hand through a gate. Dog warden involved but no civil case because he engaged with the parents. Dog warden advised it's not only his responsibility to keep the dog in but also to prevent people entering in. So he fences everything off to prevent anyone sticking their arm in. He was advised to place a sign up and lock his gate.
A year passes and a DHL lad opens the gate ( not locked ) and the dog latched onto his arm. After a struggle the dog escaped. I caught the dog and took him home. He was destroyed a few days later. Luckily the driver was an owner of a gs too and did not take action. Dog warden did though.
You mentioned you hide the door bell? WTF
I would be taking a look at your responsibility as a dog owner before anything. What if a child climbs over for a ball or something? A sign won't mean a dam then.
To answer your question, it's your fault all day long.
Find out what whiskey he drinks. Evading responsibility or to pass blame would encourage a civil suit

njs030

Your dog has bitten someone who wasn't on your property and wasn't a threat, he wasn't under control.

Have you thought yet that he may be seized and put to sleep?

A dog who can't tell the difference between threat and relaxed is poorly trained. Totally your fault op.


I think you need to lose the attitude really quickly and deal with this properly for the sake of your poor dog

red ears

You have a dog that is more than willing to take a bite at people now, i would fully expect he won't be the last person your dog bites.

archer22

howyegettinon1 wrote: »

man... read the OP, not me, wasn't there, viewed this from CCTV

Ok so did your friend make any effort to control the Dogs or warn the delivery man to stay back from the gate...or can we assume he thought your friend was the owner and that their presence meant everything was under control.

bucketybuck

howyegettinon1 wrote: »

My dogs are under control

Clearly they are not.

After reading your responses in this thread I do hope the delivery driver takes further action, if only to prevent some poor kid getting savaged for having the cheek to stand beside your fence.

Imagine trying to claim trespassing because the guy delivering a parcel that you ordered stood outside your fence and reached over it as somebody from the house approached. :rolleyes: I'd love to see you spout that **** in court.

mloc123

notjustsweet wrote: »

Have you thought yet that he may be seized and put to sleep?

This is my reaction too. Happened to a neighbour of my aunt, dog bit the post woman and was put down (had previously bitten somebody else).

pilly

mloc123 wrote: »

This is my reaction too. Happened to a neighbour of my aunt, dog bit the post woman and was put down (had previously bitten somebody else).

Don't think OP is one bit worried about the dog. It's a guard dog for him, nothing else.