Q: Getting fined for someone else’s dog
I just receny got fined for a dog that wasn’t mine. How is this possible? Someone had seen a dog running loose and the dog had barked at them so they called the cops and told them it was my dog. Note I had been home most of the day with my dog inside with me. The officer cited me and did no visually see any animal what so ever loose. What can be done about this. This officer also stated to the city clerk that called him while at my house there was no dog loose but the city clerk demanded for me and my sister be cited!
A: Normally, I would suggest hiring an attorney, but the costs of paying a ticket for a dog at large (meaning loose dog) is minimal compared to hiring an attorney. The best thing to do is to ask for a hearing. Appear in court on the day it's scheduled and ask for hearing or trial. The city has to prove it is your dog. Bring pictures of your dog and prepare questions to ask the animal control officer who cited you about whether or not he ever spoke to you or saw your dog. Ask the officer if he impounded the dog and if so did anyone pick it up. If the city does find you guilty, you have the right to appeal the decision and pay a bond on that covers the fines. It will get moved up to a higher court and reheard there. You may consult an attorney on appropriate things to ask and how court procedure works. Best of luck!
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