Q: Hi. I was accused of not picking up after my dog. Do I have the right to confront whoever made that claim? Thank you.
I received a notice on 12/14 from the animal shelter that my dog was off-leash and defecated in a neighbor's yard. This is not probable as he is NEVER off-leash bc I've only had him a year and he's still learning the neighborhood. I have taken him to dog obedience classes and can prove my responsibility as an owner and his behavior as a dog. There was an incident on Nov 1 at 3:15pm where I had just finished cleaning up his poop and the homeowner pulled in and shouted at me. I told her it was already cleaned up and she swore at me some more so I just kept walking. I noticed that she started following me in her car. That is how I know the exact time. I waited 10 minutes and three street turns to make sure before I called Public Safety at 3:23pm to report the situation. The officer told me it was not illegal for dogs to poop but it was illegal for the homeowner to stalk me. She advised me to go home and call if confronted. The driver followed me to my driveway. I avoid her street.
A: If you are charged with a crime, you have the right to confront your accuser - in court or at an administrative hearing - and to question them about the accusation. It would be a bad idea to go to her door and "confront" her. Proving your responsibility as a dog owner by attending obediance classes has nothing to do with the accusation. There is no reason for your dog to poop in a neighbor's yard, whether you clean it up or not. There is a berm between the curb and the sidewalk. That is City property and your dog should use it.
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