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0 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Municipal Law and Civil Litigation for Texas on
Q: Awaiting trial to determine if pitbull is a dangerous dog in Texas after incident with salesman.

My mother and I are awaiting trial at the Grand Prairie Municipal Court in Texas regarding whether my pitbull is considered a dangerous dog under the Texas Health and Safety Code 821.041. The incident in question involves my pitbull biting a door-to-door salesman who was persistently bothering my... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Consumer Law, Civil Litigation, Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Nevada on
Q: Can SW Gas legally enter my private backyard without permission to disconnect service, and what can I do about it?

I was away in Texas for my daughter's wedding and didn't receive notices from SW Gas regarding their need for access to the meter. While I was away, SW Gas personnel entered my gated backyard in Las Vegas without my knowledge to disconnect the service. They moved my dogs to the front yard... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Litigation, Divorce and Family Law for Connecticut on
Q: Seeking to file a civil lawsuit in CT to reclaim dog custody from ex-husband. What are the next steps?

I need advice on filing a civil lawsuit against my ex-husband to regain custody of my dog. We agreed on a fifty-fifty custody arrangement, but he unexpectedly decided to keep the dog. I possess the adoption paperwork; however, the dog isn’t mentioned in our divorce decree. Despite attempts to... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Animal / Dog Law and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: How to evict tenant after expired lease and property issues in Texas?

I am renting out a house in San Antonio, Texas, where the lease agreement with the tenant expired about a year ago. The tenant continued to pay rent on time, but I discovered during an inspection for a new property management company that the house is in poor condition. There are holes in the wall... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 23, 2025

Because the original lease term has expired, the lease is now month-to-month. You need to give not less than 30-days advance written notice in accordance with the terms of the lease of your intent to end the lease with the end date being on the last day of a rent-paying period. So, for example,... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Litigation and Consumer Law for California on
Q: Amazon delivery driver injured my dog; how to claim medical costs?

My dog was severely injured when an Amazon delivery driver ran him over near the end of my driveway in Apple Valley, CA. The driver did not stop, and my neighbors and father attempted to chase him down. Amazon has identified the driver, who submitted a video of the incident from the truck's... View More

Eliza Jasinska
Eliza Jasinska
answered on Apr 22, 2025

Hire a lawyer right away to protect your rights and ensure Amazon takes responsibility. Since Amazon has acknowledged the report and has video evidence, a lawyer can push for immediate reimbursement or coverage of your dog’s medical expenses. Gather all documentation—vet quotes, witness... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Family Law for Virginia on
Q: How can our shelter obtain legal ownership of a dog from an incarcerated owner in Virginia?

I work at a private animal shelter, and we are currently housing a dog that was brought to us by a police officer after the owner was arrested. We wish to file for legal ownership of the dog to facilitate adoption, as holding it long-term in the shelter isn't feasible. The dog was brought in... View More

Richard Sternberg
Richard Sternberg
answered on Apr 22, 2025

Perhaps there is some statute that helps, but I have never heard of one. A dog is property in most states, including the Commonwealth. An incarcerated individual doesn't lose their property without due process of law. The easiest answer is to ask her to sign over the dog as a gift, and, a... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Municipal Law, Environmental and Animal / Dog Law for Tennessee on
Q: What are the laws in Tennessee regarding excessive target shooting with guns and tannerite near homes?

In Tennessee, there is excessive target shooting with different sizes of caliber guns and tannerite explosions in my residential area. This occurs both day and night, for long periods, disturbing the peace and daily life for residents and pets. Homes, a school, churches, and a public road are all... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Civil Litigation for Indiana on
Q: Dog warden took my dog; shelter won't return him. Should I pursue legal action in Indiana?

I am considering pursuing legal action because two weeks ago, the dog warden took my dog after he got loose and tried to enter someone’s house and mate with another dog. The animal shelter neutered my dog and gave him shots. They mentioned that the dog warden would inspect the enclosure they set... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Litigation and Gov & Administrative Law for Texas on
Q: Grounds to file motion to dismiss for animal not restrained case?

I am a defendant in a case titled "State of Texas vs. [defendant]" regarding the issue of "animals not restrained," involving chickens eating grass in my front yard. On March 8th, 2024, I received a yellow card from Fort Worth code compliance/animal control, but it did not... View More

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

First, remember that in a criminal case, only the prosecutor can file a motion to dismiss. The defendant and his attorney cannot.

With that in mind, the answer to your question is the prosecutor could file a motion to dismiss on the ground that the code does not authorize the issuance of a...
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0 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Litigation and Contracts for Ohio on
Q: Can my ex-boyfriend legally reclaim our cat in Ohio after giving it to me?

My boyfriend, who lives in Tennessee, gave me our shared cat to take back to Ohio to live with me. He is now asking for the cat back because things did not work out between us. He initially bought the cat, so it is registered in his name, but I have paid for all veterinary expenses and have records... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Contracts for Maryland on
Q: Do I have legal grounds to keep a dog I've cared for over 2 years under an initial temporary arrangement?

I've been in possession of a dog for over two years, initially under a temporary arrangement with the original owner, who was supposed to retrieve him after fixing her yard. Since then, I've solely cared for and financed the dog's needs without any interest from her, apart from a... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Apr 20, 2025

In Maryland, and perhaps also in Pennsylvania (I am not a lawyer in PA) pets are considered property. You can only obtain as good legal title to property as the person you got it from had. I. Your scenario, if the person who entrusted their dog’s care to you had full legal title, meaning no other... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Litigation, Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Alaska on
Q: Liability for dogs killing neighbor's chicken in Alaska

I am seeking advice because my dogs escaped from my backyard, which had a partially fallen fence, and killed a neighbor's chicken. The dogs have no history of aggressive behavior and have only escaped the yard once or twice before. I don't have homeowner's insurance, and my neighbor... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Animal / Dog Law and Real Estate Law for Louisiana on
Q: Can I sue for eviction without court process in LA?

I have been living with my boyfriend in his rental unit in Leesville, LA, for two years, although I am not on the lease. During this time, I have paid rent and the electric bill. Recently, my landlord evicted me overnight without going through the court process. He stated the eviction was due to my... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for North Dakota on
Q: Can I use lethal force to defend my dog from another attacking dog in North Dakota?

I was walking my dog in North Dakota when another dog attacked it. I used a stick to chase the other dog away. There were no witnesses, no serious injuries to my dog, and I did not report the incident. In such situations, am I allowed to use lethal force to defend my dog if it happens again?

0 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Personal Injury, Civil Litigation and Animal / Dog Law for Wisconsin on
Q: Legal actions for ongoing harassment and losses in Milwaukee, WI

I have been under 24-hour surveillance and harassment for the past two years in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I've reported this situation to the police, but it is still ongoing. As a result, I have lost my house, job, car, had my dogs killed, and even been poisoned. What legal actions can I take to... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights, Employment Law, Personal Injury and Civil Litigation for Arizona on
Q: What legal actions can I take after my son was assaulted at a playground, and can other families charge my husband who defended him?

My 5-year-old son was attacked and assaulted by a group of boys at a playground, resulting in bruises, scratches, torn clothes, and psychological damage. My husband pushed the boys off our son to protect him and threw one kid off him in a padded area. The incident was recorded on video, and photos... View More

Q: Can sister force grandfather to leave mom's residence in probate issue?

My mother, who was buying the home, recently passed away. My sister, the executor of my mother's estate, is telling my grandfather that he must leave the residence immediately, cannot take or come back to feed one of his dogs, and cannot take anything with him until the will is read. We are... View More

Edward Gudeman
Edward Gudeman
answered on Apr 18, 2025

First of all, your sister has no authority to control any property until a will is probated or an intestate (no will) proceeding is initiated and she is appointed as the Personal Representative. If you cannot find a will, then it may be a good idea for you to initiate such a proceeding and ask that... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Criminal Law for Kentucky on
Q: Can I be jailed for lying about my dog's ownership to a shelter and abandoning him?

I surrendered my dog to a shelter and falsely claimed I found him, which led to their acceptance of the dog. Later, they discovered I was the actual owner and contacted me, stating I needed to retrieve my dog or face potential charges for lying and abandonment. Could this situation result in legal... View More

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Apr 16, 2025

I doubt there is any jail time involved, although you could be charged with abandonment for failing to retrieve him.

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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Environmental, Animal / Dog Law and Real Estate Law for Oregon on
Q: Is it legal for apartments to spray pesticides in common areas without warning in Oregon?

I am renting an apartment where pesticide spraying occurs once a week in the common areas, specifically the parking lot and sidewalk, without any warnings, schedules, or signs. I regularly walk my dog in these areas and am concerned about the lack of communication regarding pesticide use. Is this... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2025

Oregon law broadly preempts any local limits on pesticide use citeturn2search2, so licensed applicators may treat private common areas like parking lots or sidewalks without a municipal permit or tenant notice requirement. The State’s pesticide‑control rules categorise those spaces as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Louisiana on
Q: How can I ensure the safety of a wandering neighbor's dog?

What can I do to ensure the safety of a neighbor's dog that often wanders into my yard? I was told he's an outside dog and follows birds, which may be how he ended up here. The owner has offered to come get him, but I'm concerned about his safety when he's out roaming due to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2025

You’re doing the right thing by looking out for this dog’s well‑being while respecting your neighbor’s property. First, have a friendly chat with your neighbor about securing their yard or using a leash when the dog is out, so it can’t wander off and face traffic or wild animals. Suggest... View More

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