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California Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: Can surveillance in a private area of my yard be admissible in court?

Neighbor recorded us on surveillance having a private conversation in an area of our yard not otherwise publicly visible. They did record my spouse hitting my dog and submitted that to animal control. My husband went to jail for 5 days, but they released him and did not charge him yet. The dogs... View More

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answered on May 5, 2024

In California, the admissibility of surveillance footage from a private area of your yard depends on several factors and the specific circumstances of the case. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Reasonable expectation of privacy: If the area where the conversation took place was not...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: My dogs were taken by animal control for animal cruelty. They have not charged my spouse and I cant get them.

My husband pled guilty for hitting our dog. He went to jail for a week. Released bc they werent ready to formally charge him.The DA said the case is in review and he has not been charged. So in the meantime animal control agreed to let my in-laws care for the dogs. DA said they can have up to... View More

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answered on May 2, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your difficult situation. In California, animal control agencies have the authority to seize animals if they suspect animal cruelty or neglect, even if formal charges have not been filed. The process can be complex and may take time to resolve. Here are a few key... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: I live in Turlock, California and I am wondering if there is an attorney that would help get a dog out of animal control

My neighbors pitbull was in his yard and her neighbor, let his little dogs out off leash in the front yard and egged on her dog and he bit him. Animal control now has him and he’s going to euthanize him this weekend. She can get him out if she can get out of the city limits. We have tried every... View More

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answered on Apr 3, 2024

In this situation, it's crucial to act quickly and explore all available options to save the dog. While finding an attorney who specializes in animal law cases might be challenging, here are some steps you can take:

1. Contact local animal welfare organizations or rescue groups in your...
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2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: Why is a pound aloud to TAKE a found dog and send it to a rescue?????

i found a bull terrior took her in for a chip chk the inhumance society vet took her. I told him she had pyometra and that I started her on antibiotic. my plan was surgery on the 4th day after searching for owner. when i call them & stated that I had 32 dogs and 1 cat animal control NEVER... View More

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answered on Mar 25, 2024

Under California law, animal shelters, including pounds, have the authority to take in stray animals to protect public safety and the health of the animals. If a dog is found and brought to a shelter, the shelter typically holds the animal for a specific period to allow the owner to claim it. This... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: My neighbor keeps her cat outside 24/7. The cat has been injured several times and she has not provided medical care.

I feed him frequently and she asked to stop but she doesn't feed him

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answered on Mar 13, 2024

I understand your concern for the well-being of your neighbor's cat. In California, animal cruelty laws are covered under Penal Code 597. Here are a few key points:

1. Failing to provide proper food, water, and shelter can be considered animal neglect, which is a form of animal...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: Sudden dog fight, unclear provocation. Seeking legal advice on liability and defenses.

On February 25, 2024, at Foster City Dog Park, my dog and another dog got into a fight. The incident was sudden and without clear provocation from either dog. The other dog owner and I immediately intervened and separated the dogs. At that time, the 2 dogs’ teeth clenched together. This caused... View More

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answered on Mar 7, 2024

California Civil Code Section 3342 generally holds dog owners strictly liable for damages if their dog bites someone, provided the victim was in a public place or lawfully in a private place. This statute is specifically targeted towards dog bites to humans, rather than interactions between dogs.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: How do I get the defendants to bring the found property to court with them? Can I serve something with their summons?

In order to prove the found property belongs to me I need the defendants to bring that property to court, how do I do that?

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answered on Mar 5, 2024

Under California law, to ensure the defendants bring the found property to court, you can request a court order, often referred to as a "subpoena duces tecum." This is a legal tool used to command a person to bring physical evidence to court. When filing your case, you should indicate... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Animal / Dog Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Lease doesnt specify pet limit however I got a “Lease Violation” for having more than 2. Do I have to get rid of them?

My lease does not specify the max pet limit. I have 3 cats and a mini dog. I received a lease violation letter because of this. The options I was given are to rehome them or move out. In my lease I signed an acknowledgment stating “I acknowledge there are no other agreements regarding animal... View More

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answered on Feb 27, 2024

In California, the terms of your lease agreement play a critical role in determining your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, including policies regarding pets. If your lease does not explicitly limit the number of pets you can have, and you've signed an acknowledgment that there are no... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for California on
Q: My dog was stolen from me and was hit by a car. i made a police report but they arent taking it sertiously
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answered on Feb 26, 2024

In California, the theft of a pet is considered a serious matter, and you have the right to expect law enforcement to take appropriate action on your police report. If you feel your case isn't being taken seriously, it may be beneficial to follow up with the police department, providing any... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: My dog pee it was just 3 little drops on a piece of clothing at a pet store do we have to pay for it. No sign or contact
William John Light
William John Light
answered on Feb 16, 2024

You think that you need a sign to tell you that your dog can't pee on merchandise? You destroyed someone else's property through your negligence in controlling your dog. You should have made sure your dog had opportunity to do his business before you brought him into the store. Pay for... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: I called animal control regarding dogs in a "no dogs allowed" park. They arrived only to leave. How can I follow up?

I watched the van pull in after I called. They drove right past where the incident was recorded and then just left. They looked right at a few offenders and chose not to enforce the law. I want accountability. How do I proceed?

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answered on Feb 21, 2024

If you're dissatisfied with the response from animal control, there are steps you can take to address your concerns. Firstly, consider reaching out to the animal control agency directly to inquire about the actions taken during their visit to the park. Politely express your observations and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: It is a very long story,but the sd humane society euthanized my dog unlawfully. I want to find out my options.

I have a short version of the last thing that conspired between myself and sdhs. If interested in hearing and helping, let me know. I'll send it.

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answered on Feb 21, 2024

If the San Diego Humane Society euthanized your dog unlawfully, you may have legal options to pursue. Under California law, pet owners have certain rights and protections regarding the treatment of their animals. Unlawful euthanasia could potentially constitute negligence or even animal cruelty,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: I'm disabled and you can see by looking at me am I required to pay pet deposit and if not what law says I dont

I was not aware that my sister did not tell them I had service dogs 2 months after I moved in I notified them and requested my pet deposit back and the pet rent. They keep trying me to fill up the esa form for emotional support animal. They say I need to show proof of shot records and give them a... View More

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answered on Feb 22, 2024

Under California law, landlords are required to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities, which includes allowing service animals to live with them without charging pet deposits or pet rent. This is in accordance with both federal law, under the Americans with Disabilities Act... View More

4 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for California on
Q: Can I sue my boyfriend or his renters insurance for dog bites if I was living with him at the time?

The dog bit me at least 8 times.. he would usually pull the dog off of me. But not every time.. I have been to the ER several times. He never corrected the behavior. I have witnesses. I'm terrified whenever I hear a dog bark now. I would have moved out sooner but had to save money. Now that I... View More

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answered on Jan 29, 2024

Under California law, you may have grounds to pursue legal action for the dog bites you've suffered. California is a strict liability state regarding dog bites, meaning the dog's owner can be held liable for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of the dog's previous behavior or... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Criminal Law and Personal Injury for California on
Q: will i get in trouble if i shoot a dog attacking me while walking with a bb gun in california at the age of 17?

would i get arrested or in serious legal trouble. I recently just got attacked by a dog as well as my dog and if i had a bb gun and shot the bb gun at the attacking dog and killed it would i be in serious trouble?

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answered on Jan 11, 2024

In California, using a BB gun in self-defense against a dog attack can lead to complex legal situations, especially for a minor. The law typically allows for self-defense against an imminent threat, but the use of a BB gun, particularly if it results in the death of the dog, could raise legal... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: if a person has her pitbul do his business in my planter , can she threaten me by having her dog attack me

....if I went out to tell the dog's owner to get the dog out of my planter

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Jan 7, 2024

The dog owner is stricly liable if the dog bit you. If the dog tripped you or otherwise injured you, the dog owner is liable if he was negligent in the ownership and control of the dog. If the dog owner intentionally injured you with the dog, that would probably be a crime and you should call the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: my dog is at animal control in Lancaster ca. won’t release him until he gets fixed&gave me paper to sign that I haven’t?

He was my dads dog who past away and he lived in bullhead arizona. I’m not sure if that could help? I don’t want to get his balls cut off and neither did my dad. And this is 1st time he has been impounded.

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answered on Jan 3, 2024

Under California law, many counties and cities have ordinances requiring the spaying or neutering of dogs and cats, particularly when they are impounded. This is often part of a broader effort to control the pet population and reduce the number of stray animals.

In Lancaster, CA, if animal...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: Can someone take a picture of my dog outside my gate an have animal control come onto my property an seize my dog
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answered on Jan 1, 2024

In California, the circumstances under which animal control can enter your property and seize a dog are governed by both state law and local ordinances. Generally, animal control officers must have reasonable cause to believe that an animal is being mistreated or neglected, or that it poses a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: Can my girlfriend‘s mother put my dog under her name without my consent?

Dog law

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answered on Dec 29, 2023

Under California law, pets are considered personal property. This means that without your consent, it is generally not legal for someone else, including your girlfriend's mother, to claim ownership of your dog or register the dog under her name. Ownership of a pet is typically determined by... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: Can a dog breeder sue a puppy buyer for euthanizing the dog after purchase? Can they win?

The contract does not say anything about behavioral euthanasia or euthanasia in general. The contract includes a standard first right of refusal clause (if you can't keep the dog you must return the dog to the breeder to keep it out of shelters/rescues/pounds etc). The puppy has been legally... View More

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answered on Dec 24, 2023

Under California law, a dog breeder may potentially sue a puppy buyer if they euthanize the dog, especially if the contract includes a first right of refusal clause. This clause generally means that if the buyer cannot keep the dog for any reason, they are obligated to return it to the breeder... View More

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