Lexington, KY asked in Animal / Dog Law for Kentucky

Q: Neighbor's son threatens to shoot my livestock guardian dog for running onto their property when going after a coyote.

In KY, on land zoned agricultural. The neighbor does not have any livestock. The son's name is not on the title of the land, but he lives there full time as of recently. We have a shared fence with no private agreement so the default sharing of maintining half as stated in the law applies - yet for 20 years I have done 100% of maintainence & rapair work at my expence as they refuse to do any nor pay anything. My dog, a pyranees that guards my sheep, has gotten out a couple times in the day when chasing coyotes away from my flock. He then comes back minutes later. The dog is fixed, chipped, all shots, licenced and wearing a collar with rabies tag and other ID. The son says he will shoot my dog simply for being on his parent's land and running by. My dog is very tame with people so he is no threat. I have added more wire to raise the fence height. If my dog gets out again, is my neighbor's son in the right? If not and he shoots my dog, what charges can I press or for what can I sue?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
Answered
  • Animal & Dog Law Lawyer
  • Louisville, KY
  • Licensed in Kentucky

A: If he shoots the dog on property not belonging to him, he could be liable for damages and possible criminal prosecution.

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