Q: neighbors filed an animal control complaint but weren’t going to press charges, yet I just received a vet bill.
My neighbors two houses up, called animal control because apparently my dog bit their chow. Animal control came to my house giving me a citation and was told the neighbors aren’t pressing charges, but then I received a letter with a vet bill and am being asked to reimburse them. Added note I have a white German Shepard the same dog my actual neighbors have. Not entirely sure how the neighbors two houses up knew I have that type of dog. So I know my neighbors told them and am wondering if it was actually my dog or the neighbors trying to get out of a ticket and giving it to me. My dog escaped through our fence and went through the neighbors yard and bit the chow chow through a missing slat between those two neighbors yards. I’m thinking they are going to try and sue me and wondering what my options are here.
A:
You have an obligation to control your dog. Your dog escaped from your yard, a neighbor's dog was attacked at the same approximate time, and you think it's possible that another dog did it? Good luck.
Notify your homeowner's policy. Many of them contain coverage for liability arising out of the ownership of dogs; or, just pay the vet bill for the damage caused by your dog. Also, build a better fence and/or invest in some training so that your dog will not be a danger to humans or animals in the event that it escapes again.
A: Your liability is for the cost to repair the damage done. There is no recovery for pain and suffering or emotional distress. Dogs are considered property. Pay to repair the damage, get a simultaneous signed Release of All Claims, and be on your way.
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