Westminster, CO asked in Animal / Dog Law for Colorado

Q: My husky got out of the dog park and killed a neighbors puppy. we did get a dangerous dog summons but now

The owner of the puppy is asking is for money to cremate that pup. Should we pay this before going to court

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2 Lawyer Answers
Kristina M. Bergsten
PREMIUM
Kristina M. Bergsten
Answered
  • Animal & Dog Law Lawyer
  • Denver, CO
  • Licensed in Colorado

A: If you want to pay for it, you can, but I would ask that the puppy owners sign a release of liability stating that paying the cremation expenses settles any and all claims against you for the puppy's death. Dogs do not have much value beyond what the owner paid for the dog, so it is possible they could sue you for the value of the puppy even after you pay for cremation services --- IF you do not get a release of liability. Paying the cremation services has no bearing on the criminal case because causing death or serious injury to a person or another domestic animal is a strict liability offense in Colorado.

Juliet Piccone
Juliet Piccone
Answered
  • Animal & Dog Law Lawyer
  • Greenwood Village, CO
  • Licensed in Colorado

A: Depending on what you were charged with, your dog could be facing a mandatory death sentence for causing the death of another animal. You need an experienced animal lawyer immediately.

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