Q: Can I sue someone for defamation for making a false claim with animal services about my dog?
A neighbor called animal services on me about my dog who was tethered to our front porch while we were doing yard work. Their leash didn’t go past our yard/property and she claimed that my dog was encroaching the public side walk and being aggressive. I have physical and photo proof that my dog couldn’t reach past our property and I don’t think it’s illegal for her to bark at people walking by. When we didn’t get in trouble for this she then complained that my dog was excessively barking in our backyard. I am home with them 24/7 and she hardly barks at all let alone excessively. Can I take any legal action against these false claims?
A: You could sue but you wouldn’t win unless you can prove how this speech damaged your reputation.
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