Seaside, CA asked in Animal / Dog Law for California

Q: While walking my protection trained GSD, people often touch the dog without asking. What are my rights in this case?

I don’t want people touching my dog without permission, and sometimes not at all. But people are quite often confrontational about their perceived “right” to touch my animal.

Related Topics:
2 Lawyer Answers

A: Most people love dogs, so I am not surprised that they would want to pet your dog. And, most people will probably ask your permission to pet your dog. If people pet your dog without asking your permission, ask them politely not to pet your dog. I believe mot people will respect your wishes.

William John Light agrees with this answer

A: You have a right of self-defense, which doesn't seem to apply. An unconsented, offensive touching is a battery, so you could sue in Small Claims. That seems a bit overblown, to say the least. Seems like you could buy a no-touch vest and/or stay away from areas where you are having this problem.

https://www.chewy.com/dogline-unimax-multi-purpose-do-not/dp/160211?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=hg&utm_content=Dogline&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKCAjw7IbaBRBqEiwA6AyZgtMa7VQuADIuSz7sT7di-5TOkcEWh7KYi606Z33RIDtIQviC9R8lxxoCBtYQAvD_BwE

https://www.chewy.com/dogline-unimax-multi-purpose-do-not/dp/160211?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=hg&utm_content=Dogline&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKCAjw7IbaBRBqEiwA6AyZgtMa7VQuADIuSz7sT7di-5TOkcEWh7KYi606Z33RIDtIQviC9R8lxxoCBtYQAvD_BwE

https://www.etsy.com/listing/167352345/jacket-vest-for-dogs-working-on-issues?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_b-pet_supplies-pet_clothing_accessories_and_shoes-other&utm_custom1=f5419817-1880-40bc-b2d1-c93ea9a7b097&gclid=CjwKCAjw7IbaBRBqEiwA6AyZgk70jpac-DCe1P4uEFbCDPfmmfAR_4rn-Lx9JsSuch_ES7UIwn6p1hoCXi4QAvD_BwE

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.