Los Angeles, CA asked in Animal / Dog Law for California

Q: Can I get in trouble for fixing my neighbors pit bulls without them knowing?

My neighbors live several cities away and never come to visit their dogs. They have a relative that lives locally and he feeds them maybe once a week if that. We feed them, water them and make sure they have shelter. They breed and they are all related. I have been wanting to get them fixed. I am tired of the adult dogs killing the puppies.

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2 Lawyer Answers
William John Light
William John Light
Answered
  • Animal & Dog Law Lawyer
  • Santa Ana, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Just call Animal Control. Otherwise, you are guilty of vandalism to personal property.

William John Light
William John Light
Answered
  • Animal & Dog Law Lawyer
  • Santa Ana, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: It's unclear if you are volunteering to feed, water and care for neglected dogs, or whether you have agreed with your neighbor to care for the dogs. If it is the latter, it sounds like you might be responsible for the conditions in which the dogs live. If it is the former, the owner and the relative would be responsible.

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