Philadelphia, PA asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Personal Injury and Animal / Dog Law for Pennsylvania

Q: If my dog jump the fence and impregnated my neighbor's dog can the neighbor sue me for puppy support

2 Lawyer Answers
Cary B. Hall
Cary B. Hall
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Norristown, PA
  • Licensed in Pennsylvania

A: Hmmmm - I'll admit this is a new one even for me, heh. "Puppy support"? No. Monetary damages for trespass? Potentially yes. The question, then, is how to calculate those damages, and what sorts of things can be included within those damages. It's probably a wash in that presumably you'd be entitled to half of the litter, no? Could be a bit more complicated if your neighbor's dog is a purebreed and used for breeding for a profit, but I imagine such a dog owner would have a bit more sophisticated set-up than a simple fence between neighbors.

Here's the thing: if one neighbor has an unneutered male dog, and the adjoining neighbor has an unspayed female dog in heat, well . . . everyone should know what happens in those circumstances, and how "enthusiastic" critters can be in such a state. Sounds like both parties could be negligent for not having their respective dogs isolated from the other, and I'd certainly bring that to the attention of a judge if sued.

Best of luck to you!

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
Answered
  • Wyomissing, PA
  • Licensed in Pennsylvania

A: I don't believe so. They would also have to prove paternity.

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