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California Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

James L. Arrasmith
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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?

James L. Arrasmith
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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

James L. Arrasmith
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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
James L. Arrasmith
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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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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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

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.

James L. Arrasmith
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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 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?

James L. Arrasmith
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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

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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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
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answered on Feb 21, 2024

If the pet store can demonstrate that your dog's urine caused significant damage or contamination to the clothing, they may attempt to pursue compensation from you. In such cases, it is advisable to engage in communication with the store to understand the extent of the damage and explore... View More

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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

James L. Arrasmith
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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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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

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Jan 29, 2024

You can sue your boyfriend. You cannot sue his renters insurance. That insurance would only - potentially - pay the sums for which he is liable. However, his renters insurance will likely have an exclusion for people who reside in the apartment, so it is unlikely that you will recovery anything... View More

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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

Edgar Poghosyan
Edgar Poghosyan
answered on Feb 5, 2024

Under California law, a dog owner can be held liable for injuries caused by their dog under the theory of strict liability. Civil Code imposes liability on a dog owner for damages suffered by any person who is bitten while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of... View More

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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

Eliza Jasinska
Eliza Jasinska
answered on Feb 17, 2024

You may sue the boyfriend for the injuries you have received but recovery will depend on the coverage that he has in the policy. The information provided presents opinions and examples and does not substitute for, nor does it constitute professional legal advice from an attorney. It is general and... 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?

James L. Arrasmith
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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

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 7, 2024

Under California law, it is illegal for anyone to threaten physical harm or violence against another person. If the dog owner threatens to have her dog attack you, this could be considered a criminal threat, which is a serious matter. The law protects individuals from being subjected to threats or... 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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

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