Q: How can we get our neighbors to quit falsely accusing us of neglect? Do we have grounds to sue for false reports?
Idaho: We have lived here for 13 years with 1 consistent neighbor so we are almost certain it’s them. They called animal control for neglect. Saying our dog was outside all day in the sun, he was outside with us while we picked cherries from our tree. Our back yard gets maybe 3 hours of sun because of the trees, house and garage blocking the rest. Then one day they took him off his 20ft leash and tied him to our porch on a 5ft leash while we were gone for a few hours. (Away from his food and water.) They called cops today saying he was running around the streets. He was in the back yard with my kids! All day! They found him in the yard. I’m sure it was the neighbors otherwise how did the police know where to look when he was in the back yard the entire time! Animal control gave us a warning and told us they saw nothing wrong with our yard or home. The police saw our dog in our yard and saw nothing wrong.
A:
A neighbor like this is the last thing you need in enjoying your summer! Their conduct fits the definition for possibly 2 misdemeanor, criminal charges:
Disturbing the Peace: 18-6409. DISTURBING THE PEACE. (1) Every person who maliciously and willfully disturbs the peace or quiet of any neighborhood, family or person, by loud or unusual noise, or by tumultuous or offensive conduct, or by threatening, traducing, quarreling, challenging to fight or fighting, or fires any gun or pistol, or uses any vulgar, profane or indecent language within the presence or hearing of children, in a loud and boisterous manner, is guilty of a misdemeanor; and,
Filing False Police Report: 18-2602. PREPARING FALSE EVIDENCE. Every person guilty of preparing any false or antedated book, paper, record, instrument in writing, or other matter or thing, with intent to produce it, or allow it to be produced, for any fraudulent or deceitful purpose, as genuine or true, upon any trial, proceeding or inquiry whatever, authorized by law, is guilty of felony; and finally,
Trespass of Privacy: 18-7006. TRESPASS OF PRIVACY. It shall be unlawful for any person, upon the private property of another, to intentionally look, peer or peek in the door, window, or other transparent opening of any inhabited building or other structure located thereon, without visible or lawful purpose. Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
"Neighbors" need to be careful not to violate the law in attempting to bother the neighbor next door! Good luck to you!
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