Q: Is neighbor responsible for vet bills if dog eats trash thrown into the sidewalk?
A neighbor continuously throws bones, grapes, and other harmful foods on the sidewalk. She’s been caught in the act and confronted so we know this is not by accident. She refuses to stop and local officials are not much help. She has a “no pooping” sign on her lawn so I am wondering if this trash is her way of deterring dog walkers from walking past her house. However, if someone’s dog became ill from ingesting garbage on the sidewalk in front of her home, could she be responsible for vet bills?
A:
I don't see it --the dog walker /owner is responsible for their dog. Someone isn't minding the dog eating the trash. If she puts it on your property, that's different.
You could sue her for maintaining a nuissance but that is very, very expensive. And it won't get your vet bills paid.
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