Child fell off his bicycle by running into my dog, what could happen?

Question

Hi Today I was loading the car up to visit my parents and as my dog left to house to get into the back of the car a child run into her on his bicycle. The boy fell off and I think he bumped his knee. My husband walked the boy to his house to make sure he got home and to apologise to the parents. The boys Mum was quite aggressive to him, swearing and threatening him with her husband. She insisted that our dog was vicious, which she isn't and it was a complete accident. The mum said she was going to phone the police and asked for my husbands details, which he gave without complaint and the woman was still abusive. As a result when my husband got in he phoned the police himself to report the incident. My question is what do you think will happen as a result of this, I have no idea if she has contacted the police or not and I'm worried as I am currently on maternity leave with a 12 week old baby and have visions of the husband coming round?

Answer 1

Sue for vets bills these kids should be on leads,

Answer 2

This was clearly not your fault. Your dog had a right to walk where he was walking, just as much as that boy had a right to ride his bike. Your dog was minding his own business when the boy ran into him. Your dog did nothing wrong.

If the boy had run into your mailbox, would the boys parents still be angry? No.

The boy RAN INTO your dog. That is not in any way your fault. You have nothing to worry about. The little boy has no reason to lie about the incident, and since the mother didn't witness it, anything she says is speculation.

Don't worry about it. And congrats on the new baby :)

Answer 3

If the police haven't contacted you I think you've nothing to worry about.

Just ignore it and if anyone you don't know comes to the door while your hubby's at work, don't open it. Just shout through it or get a security chain fitted.

Answer 4

if your dog was off your property at all, including on the sidewalk in front of your house, you can be charged with animal at large.  your dog does not have to injure anyone, just be off your property.  make sure your dog has a current rabies vaccination and license.  all 50 states have license laws.  also look into any local leash ordinances.  in some areas it is illegal to have your dog loose on your own property.   unless the child was riding through your front yard, you can be held responsible.  it does not matter if it was aggressive, or just bad timing, you are responsible to keep your dog on your property.  since it does not sound like the child was really injured they likely would not have a case for seeking compensation for anything.  it does sound like the mom was quite a bit over the top in her reaction.  she should maybe also keep a closer eye on her child if it is that big of a deal.  

Answer 5

I wouldn't worry about it. It was obviously an accident. Sounds like neighbor trying to pick a fight. Maybe she should keep a better eye on her kid.

Answer 6

The police can't do anything about it if the kid ran into the dog.. If he was bitten by the dog or hurt by the dog in any other way then maybe they may do something.. But for now don't worry about it..

Answer 7

if the dog hasn't bitten the child then the police wont do anything it was an accident i hope your husband reported her for being abusive as he was being polite and explaining what happened he did the right thing in phoning the police and reporting it to them wait and see what happens and  congrats on the baby try not to worry you have enough with the baby  

Answer 8

If the boy was on the pavement its his fault. What happened to you is one of the reasons why its illegal to ride on the pavement. Imagine if a young child had come out and been hit. Just because its a dog, doesn't make it right.

Answer 9

what did the dog do? It sounds like the kid ran into the dog, maybe next time he should watch where he is going. The dog did nothing to hurt him in any way, he fell because of his own clumsiness  

Answer 10

I doubt that the police will do anything at all. It's up to the woman to take civil action if she thinks she has some sort of case.

It was an accident and accidents happen through no-one's fault. Your husband took the little boy home and apologised. That's enough. If the woman's husband comes round and tries to create a fuss, be polite and say it was an accident and that's it. If he gets aggressive, call the police.

Don't worry.

Answer 11

The dog didn't chase, bite or otherwise do -anything- wrong. Don't panic.

If the child cannot control themselves on a bike, they shouldn't be allowed to ride it out alone. It's not your fault. I'm sure if they do call the police, then they be set straight about it by them, and told not to waste police time. I would not think that you'll have any trouble

Answer 12

I would not think the police would be interested in this, it sounds like an unavoidable accident, just one of those scrapes that happen to children..  but your husband should not have given her his "details"  

Answer 13

The mum lets her child out on a bike alone the child runs into your dog your husband takes him home and sees that he is ok and the mum swears well I am confused, this women has problems maybe the apology from your husband sent cash bells ringing as he really should not have made an apology as you were not at fault it was an accident caused by the child not looking where he was going. If the women or her family contact you again I would consult a solicitor and not get into discussions with the women.

Answer 14

nothing it werent your fault  

Answer 15

The kid ran into your dog with his bike?

There's nothing they can do about it! Without growling, barking, biting, scratching, they dont even have a case! Police may come around, but your dog didnt do anything wrong. If the kid hit the curb, would they sue the city?

They should be in more trouble, he could have hurt your dog! He should really be more careful.

Answer 16

Shame on that mom, she should have thanked your husband for bringing her son home safely!  This was clearly an accident!  I really don't think anything will happen...at least I hope not!  

Good Luck!

Answer 17

Doesn't matter the boy ran INTO the dog and your husband called the cops first and told them what happened. Adults may be willing to lie to the cops but they will talk to the boy on his own if she lets them and will more than likely tell them the truth.

Calm down and take some deep breaths. The mother is obviously a *********!! Secondly you were there to witness the event. The boy should have gone around the dog.

Answer 18

make a complaint to the police about the child hurting your dog, no seriously dont worry about it. sounds like the woman had a very bad attitude, your husband did the right thing by reporting it and by giving his details shows he has nothing to hide.

Answer 19

You need to calm down its no big deal.The only real problem is they can get you for a lose dog,the dog had to be off your property or the child could not have run into her.Any how this is not a big problem,if the husband is a jerk you should call the police to get him removed from your property should he come knocking on your door.The lady over reacted but she should be calmed down by now.Tilks Mom