Barrington, IL asked in Animal / Dog Law, Wrongful Death and Small Claims for Wisconsin

Q: Roommate put my dogs outside alone and one escaped and got hit by a car. Can I hold her accountable for the vet bill?

My roommate decided to let my dogs out while I was at work. Normally I keep them crated while I am gone. Since my dogs are familiar with her I don't mind that she plays with them from time to time but I never asked as a roommate that she has to let them out daily. Since she has lost both of my dogs once before I did ask that if she does let them outside not to leave them alone. She decided to put them outside and then go inside and take a shower. One of my dogs got out of the fenced yard and ended up getting hit by a car. I had to put him down due to his injuries and pay a high vet bill. Can I hold her responsible for the vet bill?

1 Lawyer Answer
Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
Answered

A: You could. Not sure you would win as the standard is also if her conduct is reasonable. If it's a fenced in yard, unless they've escaped before it might seem reasonable to let them out and do something in the vicinity.

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