Hi!
I've been living here in Belgium for one year and within that time, I have been bitten once by a dog, and my small Papillon has been bitten twice...both times by large mean dogs that have escaped from their yards. His injuries were bad the second time. We filed a police report over three months ago and the police have yet to act on getting a deposition from the other dog owner (supposedly an eighty year old woman who can't walk...which makes perfect sense that she should have a huge mean dog that can get away from the yard!!).

I've called the police a number of times and they always say they are too busy, so I am going to see a lawyer this week to put pressure on them to act.

My question is, does anyone know what are the dog laws here that are 'followed'? Obviously the leash law is not followed or enforced...and in an instance of a dog biting, I wonder what kind of outcomes could be decided here in Belgium. Some people have given me some suggestions, like to sue the owner, but I have no idea what procedures apply in this country. Basically I want to be able to take my dog out for a walk without being afraid (this dog attacked my dog right at our doorstep!).

Any information or suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks
ileen

ileen - sorry don't know what the legalities would be here but I suspect you wouldnt get too far. Dogs and their owners seem to be king here. They can shit anywhere they like, eat at the next table in a resto to you and its perfectly acceptable.

Good luck though....

Dizzy,
Yes, Maybe dogs can do whatever they want here...and owners can also get away with dogs with no manners.... But I lived in Germany for five years and the behavior of the dogs and owners was amazing! I like that in European countries you can take your dog to a restaurant...but of course he must be under the table...Here I've seen a family feeding their dog from the table of a nice restaurant...he was up with his feet on the table!! This does not happen in Germany! My dog stays in a bag under the table and usually people never know he's there until we get up to leave.

I think what dogs and owners can get away with here is serious...especially when others can be in danger.

Well, thanks for your comments... Hopefully this 'incident' will end out happily! I used to love all dogs...but now I know not all dogs are worthy of consideration! The one across the street...well, I would be glad to see him go...
ileen