Homewood, IL asked in Animal / Dog Law for Illinois

Q: My dogs are accused of escaping & biting someone. There's no evidence either way. How do a make a strong defensive case?

We received an ordinance violation in the mail that our dogs got loose and bit someone. We were home during that time and our dogs were not out, but we do not have any proof, only our word. They obviously do not have proof either. What are our rights, and how do we make a strong defensive case at the hearing?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Jonathan Rosenfeld
PREMIUM
Jonathan Rosenfeld
Answered
  • Animal & Dog Law Lawyer
  • Chicago, IL
  • Licensed in Illinois

A: It depends on who you received the 'ordinance' from? Was this a notice from a court? If so you may wish to contact the State's attorney or other person responsible for the prosecution of the case. You can ask when what information they have in their file to support such allegations.

If this is a 'notice' from a civil matter related to a personal injury claim made by a person who was allegedly bitten by your dog, you may want to contact the plaintiff's (person making the allegation) attorney and ask them the basis for such an allegation.

If this is indeed a civil claim, you may wish to contact your homeowner's insurance company and they will likely defend you this is situation.

Good luck to you. Jonathan

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