Dallas, TX asked in Animal / Dog Law for Colorado

Q: My dog attacked a neighbors dog, harming but not killing him. My neighbor says he is suing. What liability could I have?

My dog ran out my front door before I could stop him. He has no history of violence; he's never bitten a person or dog before. He ran across the street where a neighbors dog was barking at him. He gained entry to the neighbors yard through a hole in his fence and attacked his dog. The dog survived and will be fine. I have offered to pay the vet bills for his dog, but he says he's going to "sue me". What does the law say in regard to his threat?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Kristina M. Bergsten
PREMIUM
Kristina M. Bergsten
Answered
  • Animal & Dog Law Lawyer
  • Denver, CO
  • Licensed in Colorado

A: He can sue you and probably win based on these facts, but his recovery is limited to the value of the vet bills. You could also get a criminal citation that will go on your record unless you fight it. If the person gets their vet bills through the civil process or the criminal process, he has been made whole and can’t get it through the other process (he can only be reimbursed once).

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