Answer by LegalEagle™ staff, Forbes 2871 NSW

• This will depend on what action the owner of the other dog decides to take and whether you want to take action yourself. The first thing to do is to try to discuss the issues with the owner of the other dog. They may be willing to negotiate for you to pay for any veterinary fees. However if they believe your dog has caused the attack they may want to take further action and notify your local council.
• If you are the owner of a dog that has attacked or injured another animal you can be found guilty of a criminal offence. This will only happen if the local council decides to prosecute.
• As an owner you may also be disqualified from owning a dog for up to five years if found guilty.
• If the council believes it is reasonable and necessary to protect any person or animal from injury then your dog may be seized.
• You may also be liable to pay any veterinary bills, medical bills or possibly the replacement of the animal if the other animal passes away.
• The local council may declare your dog as “dangerous” which will mean you will be required to comply with the conditions of owning a “dangerous” dog.
• If your dog has not been involved in any other incidents and it is generally not of an aggressive nature then it is unlikely that any more will be required than paying for any veterinary fees accumulated by the other dog.
• As a dog owner it is important that you take steps to prevent this happening again. This may mean keeping your dog on a leash when out and about or only allowing it off leash in a non-public area.