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Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Contracts for Ohio on
Q: I relocated and want to retrieve my cat. Caretaker agreed but stopped responding. What can I do?

I entrusted my cat to someone 4 years ago with a verbal agreement, witnessed, that I could reclaim my pet once I moved to a suitable place. We’ve maintained consistent contact, and I have text communications confirming the arrangement. I also contributed to half of the cat's surgery and vet... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning, Landlord - Tenant, Animal / Dog Law and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Does a non-property owner have full use rights of an access road in Shasta County, CA?

There are two people staying illegally on a lot next to my home in Shasta County. They live in a camp trailer without permitted dwellings or a septic system. Despite discussions with them, they've acquired two pit bulls and walk them daily in front of our homes. I've contacted code... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 27, 2025

The people staying on the neighboring lot don't automatically have full use rights to the access road beyond the entrance to their lot unless they have a specific easement granting them those rights. In California, an easement grants someone "a limited right to use another's land for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: Can I sue a dog shelter for euthanizing my dog after a fight?

I want to sue a dog shelter for euthanizing my dog. The incident occurred when my dog got into a fight with my friend's dog, and the dog catcher initially allowed me to leave with my pet. However, the owner of the bitten dog interfered, resulting in my dog being taken away. There was no... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 25, 2025

You may have grounds for a lawsuit against the dog shelter based on the circumstances you've described. The lack of written documentation about the euthanasia decision and the absence of proper communication are concerning factors that could support your case. Additionally, the fact that the... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Contracts for Ohio on
Q: Do I get reimbursed for vet bills if lost dog's owner turns up in Ohio?

I found a lost dog in Ohio that had been hit by a car and required urgent veterinary care. I paid for the vet bills because the dog needed immediate attention, but I couldn't notify the owner as the dog was lost and no contact information was available. If the owner eventually turns up, am I... View More

Q: Can step-parent adoption stop grandparents' visitation rights in Missouri?

I am considering a step-parent adoption for my child, whose biological father passed away a few years ago. Currently, there is a mediated visitation agreement with the grandparents, though it hasn't been signed by a judge. I haven't informed the grandparents about the potential adoption,... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Consumer Law, Personal Injury and Insurance Defense for Illinois on
Q: Can I request compensation for property damage caused by a neighbor's dog?

I am located in Illinois. My neighbor's dog broke into my property and killed my two dogs inside my house after breaking through my back fence. I have documented evidence, including video footage and a police report. I've contacted animal control multiple times about this dog. I tried... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Litigation and Personal Injury for Idaho on
Q: What actions can I take if someone steals my dog in Idaho?

I believe my dog was stolen by someone in Idaho, and I've seen this person with my dog. I know where the person resides, and I've tried to confront him, but he became violent. Local law enforcement says it's a civil matter, but I need to know my rights regarding this situation. I... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: Can I sue the shelter for euthanizing my dog without notifying me?

I was involved in an incident where my dog attacked another dog, and as a result, my dog was placed in shelter custody. I was verbally informed that I could only retrieve my dog if I found a suitable home. Due to being homeless, my dog stayed in the shelter for 3-4 months. I received no... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 22, 2025

You may have legal grounds to sue the shelter, but several factors will affect your case. In California, animal shelters typically must hold animals for a specific period before euthanasia decisions are made. For dogs that have been involved in attacks, there are specific protocols that should be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Criminal Law for Georgia on
Q: Can a Georgia felon carry a 9" knife for protection?

I am blind and use a cane to walk around my neighborhood in Georgia. My neighbors have multiple dogs, including pit bulls that run in packs, which has prevented me from walking due to safety concerns. I want to know if I can carry a 9-inch open blade knife in a sheath for protection against these... View More

Glenn T. Stern
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answered on Mar 22, 2025

I do not know of any law in Georgia that would prohibit a felon from carrying a knife with a blade that is 12 inches or smaller.

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence, Animal / Dog Law and Family Law for California on
Q: Resources for escaping an abusive household in California.

I am living in an abusive household in California with my mom and stepdad after a divorce. My stepdad has been verbally and emotionally abusive, and he has also inappropriately touched me since I was young. A recent family fight led to me revealing the abuse to my mom, but my stepdad denied it. He... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 22, 2025

You're incredibly brave for seeking help. For immediate support, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) which can connect you to local California resources including emergency shelters, counseling, and legal aid. Many counties offer free legal assistance with restraining... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Animal / Dog Law for Oregon on
Q: Is landlord's extended inspection schedule reasonable in Oregon with blind senior dogs?

I live in Oregon, but outside of Portland city limits. I received a notice from my landlord about routine apartment inspections scheduled for Monday to Friday last week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and another notice for this week. They haven't communicated directly with me regarding the... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Animal / Dog Law for Illinois on
Q: Tenant rights on landlord entry & emotional support animals in Illinois.

As a tenant, I am concerned about my rights regarding landlord entry and having an emotional support animal. My lease specifies that pets require landlord approval, but there are no specific terms concerning assistance animals. I haven't discussed this with my landlord yet, and I have possible... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Civil Rights for Tennessee on
Q: Can I be arrested for not signing a dog-related citation in TN?

I had an issue where my dogs escaped under a fence three times in two weeks before it was fixed, after my neighbor reported it each time. A PAWS official came to my house and told me I needed to sign a citation or else I would be arrested and jailed. Is it legal for them to threaten arrest for not... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Mar 23, 2025

Yes...Arrest or Summons is at discretion of LEO.

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0 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Small Claims for Idaho on
Q: Can I take a vet to small claims court for misdiagnosis after my dog died?

I took my dog to a vet on a Tuesday, and she was diagnosed with a stomach infection. She stayed at the clinic until Saturday, but didn't improve. A week later, I took her to a different vet for a second opinion, where an x-ray revealed a rock in her stomach. An emergency surgery was performed,... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: Do I need to fill out a pet screening profile for my ESA in WA?

I have an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) that has been accepted by my apartment complex in Washington State for the past 4 years with the documentation I provided from a healthcare professional. Recently, I am being asked to fill out a pet screening profile. Is this additional paperwork necessary,... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Medical Malpractice and Small Claims for Virginia on
Q: I need legal help with a vet clinic that falsely claimed my cat needed surgery, pressured me into credit, and still

Hi, I’m looking for legal advice regarding a veterinary clinic in Virginia that misled me into authorizing an unnecessary procedure for my pet. They insisted my cat needed an emergency C-section, refused to let me take her home, and pressured me into applying for credit. I later discovered she... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Landlord - Tenant for Texas on
Q: Addressing issues with neighbor's aggressive dog and ESA policy.

I rent an apartment and share a fence in my yard with a neighbor whose large pit bull-type dog constantly barks and growls at my small dog. The dog has even jumped on the fence, showing aggression, though it hasn’t jumped over. My neighbor speaks no English, and communication hasn't resolved... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Mar 21, 2025

It sounds like you have done what you can do under the circumstances. You might consider erecting some type of screen along the fence you share with your neighbors or putting an outdoor kennel in your backyard to protect your own small dog in the event that your neighbor's dog breaks through... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Contracts and Consumer Law for Colorado on
Q: Can I challenge a dog adoption contract for board/train fees?

I signed a contract with an adoption agency that includes a clause requiring me to pay for board and train fees, which could be as much as $1800 per month, if I return the dog, along with a behavioral assessment fee. Initially, I wasn't aware of this clause in the chaotic adoption environment.... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Animal / Dog Law for Ohio on
Q: Can parents evict me in Ohio over false claims about my dog?

I received a 3-day eviction notice from my parents, who claimed my dog was destroying their house, even though my dog was with me the entire time. I do not pay rent or contribute financially to the household. Can they legally evict me under these circumstances?

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Libel & Slander and Contracts for California on
Q: Dispute over dog sale and accusations of theft.

I sold my dog to someone for $50. Now, this person is accusing me of stealing $50 from them and spreading negative gossip about me, calling me a thief. I offered to refund the $50 in exchange for the return of my dog, but they refused, claiming ownership of the dog. I bought the dog from another... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 19, 2025

This situation is frustrating, especially since you've tried to make things right. Since you originally sold the dog, the buyer has legal ownership unless there was an agreement that allowed you to reclaim the dog under certain conditions. Your offer to return the money in exchange for the dog... View More

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