Man puts hand over my back gate, gets bitten by my dog....

Scania

Scania

Scania

Caporegime
Joined
25 Nov 2004
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On the road....
Bit of an odd one, my daughter has just phoned me to say someone has tried to gain access to my back garden to check on a recent roof repair, rather than knocking on the front door, he’s put his hand over to open the side gate and promptly had it bitten by one of my two German Shepherds.

This isn’t the first time we’ve had such access attempts but the first with this outcome..,

My daughter went out to him on hearing a commotion and he’s stood there holding his hand and saying he’s “going to report us” and “those dogs are dangerous” etc

I’m not particularly worried, I have “Beware of the dogs” on my front door, “Warning Guard Dogs” prominently placed in my front window along with a sign that shows a picture of a White German Shepherd that reads “I can get to the gate in three seconds, can you?” and “Caution German Shepherds” on the actual gate he put his hand over!

They cannot get out and we’re doing their job, I’m assuming this should come to nothing?
 
Might want to read this thread

https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/threads/friends-dog-bit-someone.18812343/

Secure your garden and grounds
Ensure that any outdoor areas that your dog uses are secure, and that people cannot inadvertently wander into your dog’s territory or range without you knowing. Check your walls and fences, and make any necessary improvements. Signs to alert people to the presence of your dog and to use the front path are a good idea, but these alone will not serve as protection in law if your dog attacks someone.
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I would ignore everyone on here and go seek professional advice. Way too many people speak with conviction on a subject they have no idea about. It doesn't really matter for the economic effects of Brexit or US gun legalisation but with something that may cause issues I would seek someone who knows what they are talking about.
 
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Scania said:
Bit of an odd one, my daughter has just phoned me to say someone has tried to gain access to my back garden to check on a recent roof repair, rather than knocking on the front door, he’s put his hand over to open the side gate and promptly had it bitten by one of my two German Shepherds.
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Was this someone you had actually booked to come around after he'd previously done a job for you there or did they just turn up unannounced?

I could sort of see why a builder/roofer might pop around and do that if you knew he was coming that day and when he did the work you'd put the dogs away etc..
 
Can't imagine some dog signs will absolve you, but best to talk to a professional, given you're being officially reported.
 
Scania said:
Bit of an odd one, my daughter has just phoned me to say someone has tried to gain access to my back garden to check on a recent roof repair, rather than knocking on the front door, he’s put his hand over to open the side gate and promptly had it bitten by one of my two German Shepherds.

This isn’t the first time we’ve had such access attempts but the first with this outcome..,

My daughter went out to him on hearing a commotion and he’s stood there holding his hand and saying he’s “going to report us” and “those dogs are dangerous” etc

I’m not particularly worried, I have “Beware of the dogs” on my front door, “Warning Guard Dogs” prominently placed in my front window along with a sign that shows a picture of a White German Shepherd that reads “I can get to the gate in three seconds, can you?” and “Caution German Shepherds” on the actual gate he put his hand over!

They cannot get out and we’re doing their job, I’m assuming this should come to nothing?
Click to expand...
He should not be out without his mummy. First how dare he gain access without permission & second you had signs up, is he illiterate? I agree with Soldato, leave nothing to chance take legal advice. Common sense dictates you are in the right. But the law is a fickle beast & I would not risk anyone taking your dog off of you & having it destroyed.
Well done to the doggy!
 
Stick some more signs up, sounds like you don't have enough.

Seriously though, seek some professional advice if you're interested in keeping your doggo's.
 
To cover yourself, I'd take photos of your signage on that gate with today's newspaper in shot so you can prove it was prominent at the time he was there.

Common courtesy is that he should have knocked and what is the excuse for him not knowing you had dogs if he's inspecting work done on your property ? Was he just just checking employee's work rather than have been there when it was done.
 
Did you know they were coming to check on the repair? If so then maybe should have kept dogs in.
I do personally think no amount of signage can excuse the actions of animals kept by people. Slightly off topic but the number of times when I've been hiking I've heard dog owners asking me to forgive the behaviour of their dog that is "not their normal behaviour". If I went to bite their hand I'm sure they would be straight on the phone to the police :D. Fair enough, a dog is an animal, but ultimately owner need to be responsible for ensuring no harm comes to anyone. Mistakes happen but too many of them IMO.
Hopefully nothing comes of it but let it be a warning to you about keeping others safe from your animals.
 
Seek professional advice.

I hope you are found to have no blame in this and neither your dogs. Did they know from their previous visit that you had dogs?
 
I'm not a lawyer but i do know two things

Tresspassing is not illegal - it is a civil matter

Your dog biting somone is illegal - a legal matter

Whatever you draw from that is to you.
 
Bit more liability when we're talking in your garden rather than in your home (like the letterbox thread we had recently). professional advice is probably the way to go
 
Owners at fault, should have fitted a higher fence so you couldn't simply lean over to open the gate.

Just an observation.
 
I wouldn't worry, so long as you're seen to have given enough warning of the dogs and the fact that he was "trespassing" (loose term, he didn't ask permission to gain access to your garden).
But as said, probably worth asking for professional advice if it comes to it.

In the meantime, give your dogs a couple of steaks for doing a good job :)
 
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