[msblackrose]

My first time posting... My 11 month old husky (female) got out of my yard last night and attacked my neighbor's cat. Sad to say the cat died, I feel terrible. The neighbors called animal control and animal control will keep the dog until they are done with their investigation (about 3-4 day). I don't know what I should do next. My dog, Raven, is a good dog. This is my first time dealing with this type of behavior. I blame myself because I left the dogs (we have another husky and a german short haired pointer) out in the yard unattended. Our yard is fenced in and I didn't think that she could get out. My husband is thinking that we should find her another home. She has chased cats out of our yard before but this is the first time she has hurt one. Sorry if I am all over the place... I feel bad for my neighbors and I don't want to lose my dog.

 

[Cali]

So sorry That's a tough situation. Your dog was being a dog, though, and simply exhibiting prey drive. That doesn't make her a bad dog, or aggressive- she is just not cat-safe. Sure up your fence, and make sure she isn't out without supervision, and continue with life. She is still the same dog she was yesterday, and doesn't understand that what she did was wrong. I would definitely try to do something kind for the neighbor, a card or gift basket or something, perhaps?

As an aside, and this is my opinion.. their cat was out loose without being fenced in I am guessing.. So while it is your fault the dog got out, it's also partially their fault that the cat was out. My cat is indoor/outdoor, and if she is killed by a loose dog, and she's outside of my fence, that's my fault. Just how I see it- it's one of the risks of having animals outdoors.

 

[Kwenami]

So sorry That's a tough situation. Your dog was being a dog, though, and simply exhibiting prey drive. That doesn't make her a bad dog, or aggressive- she is just not cat-safe. Sure up your fence, and make sure she isn't out without supervision, and continue with life. She is still the same dog she was yesterday, and doesn't understand that what she did was wrong. I would definitely try to do something kind for the neighbor, a card or gift basket or something, perhaps?

As an aside, and this is my opinion.. their cat was out loose without being fenced in I am guessing.. So while it is your fault the dog got out, it's also partially their fault that the cat was out. My cat is indoor/outdoor, and if she is killed by a loose dog, and she's outside of my fence, that's my fault. Just how I see it- it's one of the risks of having animals outdoors.

I couldn't have put it better myself. I'd feel bad too, and try to do something nice, but at the end of the day...a dog is a dog. If a cat is lose it could be a stray or a pet and your dog has no way of knowing the difference-both are fun to chase.

I'd be infuriated that they took my dog away, though (she's easily scared of some men and other dogs). I'm not sure what they need to investigate here.

 

[kelly528]

It is very common for Huskies to simply never become 'cat-safe' dogs even with dedicated training. They are dogs with a high prey drive. Cats also have this bad habit of just gawking at dogs with those huge eyes of theirs, which can very easily be seen as a challenge to the dog. I wouldn't say that there is anything out of the ordinary or wrong with your dog; a lot of dogs would kill a cat if they had the chance. Difference being that Huskies are very fast, athletic and poised creatures. So if/when they do go for the cat, its a lot less likely that the cat will simply escape unscathed.

 

[Acey]

Please don't give up on this dog, none of this was her fault at all. Sure, it is distressing for your neighbours and you will have to be more mindful in future but she doesn't deserve to be rehomed because of it. How will that even help change the behaviour? There will always be cats around no matter who she lives with.

I actually had a horrendous experience like this not too long ago so I understand your guilt/panic. Both my greyhound and terrier got hold of a cat in the yard. I literally could do nothing to control the situation as it flew wildly hitting off the walls etc trying to escape but kept getting grabbed Eventually it managed to get away but I was terrified that it was bleeding to death somewhere in an alley or something. I called the RSPCA and went out searching (this was late at night) but never found it Both my dogs had injuries and Hooch had a severe infection in her eye. Count yourself lucky that your dog is ok
I know this situation is horrible but your dog just got over excited. Accidents happen

 

[Randski]

Oh I hope everything goes ok and you get your dog back.Most dogs will chase a cat or anything else.Good luck with the neighbors.

 

[harleyboysmom]

As I have said before, Huskies and cats do not mix.

But the way I see it, your dog was on your property, secured in a fenced in area.
Perfectly normal in every sense of the word.

Cats do not have to contained, they are allowed to run free. It trespassed onto your property, not the other way around.
If the people cared for their cat, they would not have allowed to let it roam free, it could have been hit by a car, or taken out by some wild animal.

You dog was just being a dog, he is no different than he was yesterday or the day before. There really is no need to be rehoming your pet, none.

I don't understand why they impounded your dog. Can you explain that for us.

Your dog, on your property.

There should be for cats and fines for those that don't, and licensing them too.

Sorry this happened to you.

 

[TiggerBounce]

There's no need to rehome her!

I know you feel bad, but honestly, she was just being a dog. A lot of breeds were created to kill other animals, and other dogs/breeds often still retain that instinct and drive. You had no way of knowing she would get out of the yard. Huskies can be escape artists sometimes. I leave my dogs unattended in my yard all the time because I trust my fences to be secure. You did nothing wrong...This was purely an accident.

As far as cats are concerned, if people are REALLY concerned about the safety of their cats, they should be keeping them INSIDE. I have two cats that I keep strictly indoors, to prevent them from getting hit by a car, stolen, lost etc. I have one that is indoor/outdoor because she has personality conflict issues with my other cats, and because she cannot be confined to my bedroom due to eating clothing/fabric. So yes, she roams. But I understand completely that if anything were to happen to her, it is my fault because I chose to let her outside. I would not blame anybody if a dog killed her. That's what dogs do. My dogs also chase cats from the yard that aren't mine, and I wouldn't feel bad at all if they killed one.

Anyway, I know you're upset. This is still very recent and fresh, and you're now without your dog. So just hang in there and give yourself and your husband some time to sort out emotions and confusion. In the mean time, take advantage of the time without her to check your fence really good and make any repairs/modifications necessary!

 

[revolutionrocknroll]

As an aside, and this is my opinion.. their cat was out loose without being fenced in I am guessing.. So while it is your fault the dog got out, it's also partially their fault that the cat was out. My cat is indoor/outdoor, and if she is killed by a loose dog, and she's outside of my fence, that's my fault. Just how I see it- it's one of the risks of having animals outdoors.

^ Exactly.

If you're going to let your small furry animal roam, then sooner or later it'll likely be killed by something whether it's a dog, fisher, coyote, or car. So don't feel too bad about that, it was bound to happen sooner or later. Your dog was just being a dog- it doesn't mean she's aggressive or bad.

As others have stated, huskies are known both for being escape artists and having high prey drives.

 

[Holmes89]

As I have said before, Huskies and cats do not mix.

But the way I see it, your dog was on your property, secured in a fenced in area.
Perfectly normal in every sense of the word.

Cats do not have to contained, they are allowed to run free. It trespassed onto your property, not the other way around.
If the people cared for their cat, they would not have allowed to let it roam free, it could have been hit by a car, or taken out by some wild animal.

You dog was just being a dog, he is no different than he was yesterday or the day before. There really is no need to be rehoming your pet, none.

I don't understand why they impounded your dog. Can you explain that for us.

Your dog, on your property.

There should be for cats and fines for those that don't, and licensing them too.

Sorry this happened to you.

Their dog jumped their fence leaving their yard and going after the neighbors cat. I am sure the cat was on it's own property or maybe was roaming the area which is enough to have the high prey drive kick in. I believe any dog that leaves the property and kills another animal has to be evaluated though? At least thats how it is in my area. Animal control gets called and they keep them for 3 days usually.



How horrible though

As others have said please don't rehome the dog. She only did what is natural for most dogs and to rehome her would be very hard on her

 

[Tess]

Build yourself a better fence. Huskies are infamous for escaping.

As others have said, there is nothing wrong with your dog. You don't need to give her up. Chasing after small animals, including cats, does not translate into human aggression or other problems.

If the cat had been a squirrel no one would be alarmed, but to your dog they are much the same thing.

 

[harleyboysmom]

@Holmes89, corrected and accepted.

 

[BullyGirl80]

I would not rehome my dog in this situation. She's a dog for goodness sake, chasing cats is what most dogs do, especially dogs with high prey drives as Huskies. I would feel sad for the neighbors but they are just as much at fault for letting their cat roam. I'm with the others here, secure your fence and I hope you don't have any trouble getting your dog back.