Q: Can I sue for defamation for a neighbor spreading lies about our dog?
Our neighbor has been spreading lies about our dogs for years. Saying they were viscous, they have attacked them, etc. Our dog got into some trouble and their lies caused the situation to escalate quickly and resulted in our dog being taken away for 6 weeks, and going through a whole ordeal. In one of the statements, the lady says she was told (be our neighbors) that our dog had killed 3 other dogs in the past. That is 100% NOT TRUE. When the incident happened the neighbors called a bunch of other people over (who they have spread the lies to previously) who got everyone whipped into a frenzy, so animal control was called and decisions were made based on the lies that were told/spread creating a more intense atmosphere which escalated the issue.
A: Unfortunately, no because Colorado views dogs as property so that would be like suing for defamation for someone spreading lies about your couch. But you will need representation if you have been cited for a criminal violation by animal control. If you can prove your neighbors engaged in abuse of process, you can sue for that.
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