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Arizona Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Animal / Dog Law for Arizona on
Q: My housekeeper picked up my small dog, dropped her and broke her leg. I'm now up to &10k in med expenses. Can I sue her?

The housekeeper had decided to pick up my 5 lb puppy because she's cute. She then subsequently dropped my puppy on the floor. She suffered a massive broken bone that has now required 2 surgeries approximating in$10k of bills.

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Feb 7, 2017

Well, you know how much your housekeeper makes. If you get a judgment can she pay it? If not then you just spent time, likely money, to get a piece of paper.

You would also have to show she's careless. If she can say she picked him up as she has done before, no problem, but the little...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Animal / Dog Law for Arizona on
Q: My mom stole my puppies while I was on vacation and she admitted it to me over text message what can I do
Matthew Maerowitz
PREMIUM
Matthew Maerowitz
answered on Jul 12, 2016

I'm assuming you are over 18. Regardless, you should really try to work this out with your mother. She might have been genuinely concerned about the puppies. Who was responsible for taking care of them while you were on vacation? Is she harming the dogs? If the dogs are in danger you can... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Arizona on
Q: What can I do if my dogs run out and get in to a Neighbors property and they get shot and killed.

Neighbors said my dogs were attacking they're livestock but I dont think that's the case because my dogs never attcked my animals.

Adam Studnicki
Adam Studnicki
answered on Feb 4, 2016

You can report it to the authorities and/or file a lawsuit.

Please Take Notice: I am not your lawyer unless we enter into an engagement agreement in writing. This is only general information. It is NOT legal advice, and it may not work for your specific situation. It is impossible to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Arizona on
Q: My ex boyfriend from over 4 years ago is just now trying to take me to court over my dog. What could happen.

My ex boyfriend is trying to take me to court for my dog. We have not been together for over 4 years. My dog has been with me every single one of those years. I take care of her fulltime. I am the one that feeds her, and takes her to the vet for the last four years. He was not involved what so... View More

Jay Hall
Jay Hall
answered on Jan 25, 2016

Consult with an attorney. In these cases, it's likely a cease and desist letter from an attorney can avoid any escalation.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Arizona on
Q: If my dog is staying with family and they decided they don't like her and want to get rid of her what do I do?

My dad and his girlfriend want to get rid of my dog because I work and don't live with them and she's too hyper for them. But this dog is mine, what do I do?

Adam Studnicki
Adam Studnicki
answered on Dec 28, 2015

If the dog is yours, get it back (without disturbing the peace). If they won't give it back, you can file a lawsuit.

Please Take Notice: I am not your lawyer unless we enter into an engagement agreement in writing. This is only general information. It is NOT legal advice, and it may...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Arizona on
Q: When/how is a dog considered your own? Does it have to be licensed before you can claim it at your own dog?
Adam Studnicki
Adam Studnicki
answered on Dec 19, 2015

Depends on how you acquire it and other factors.

Please Take Notice: I am not your lawyer unless we enter into an engagement agreement in writing. This is only general information. It is NOT legal advice, and it may not work for your specific situation. It is impossible to evaluate a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Communications Law, Education Law, Family Law and Public Benefits for Arizona on
Q: My dog was dognapped three years ago and she is missing again the people that took her put up new flyers. Can I sue?

I have her daughter her for DNA testing I have the old flyers pictures and Facebook posts. When she first went missing we kept putting flyers up and someone kept taking them down. Now her face is on all of these flyers three years later and she still looks exactly the same. Is that legally still... View More

Adam Studnicki
Adam Studnicki
answered on Dec 19, 2015

If your dog was stolen, the passage of time doesn't change the fact it's your dog. There are deadlines for filing lawsuits, but sometimes exceptions apply.

Please Take Notice: I am not your lawyer unless we enter into an engagement agreement in writing. This is only general...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Arizona on
Q: Am I still able to get mine and my husband's dog back?

My dad had gotten a house with his ex-girlfriend and kids and wanted to have my dog there as a watch dog for a little while, however now they are broken up and she has my husband and I's dog. It has been about a year she's had him now and have been having trouble getting him back. He is... View More

Adam Studnicki
Adam Studnicki
answered on Nov 8, 2015

If it's your dog and your didn't give or sell him, you should be able to get him back or sue for the value. But the other person's story might be that it was a gift, who knows. A local animal lawyer can advise. Small claims court might be an option.

Please Take Notice: I...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Arizona on
Q: My old roommate left her two dogs at my house when she moved out a year ago how long til the dogs are mine?

So my old roommate left her two dogs at my house a year ago along with her belongings and 3 months later she came to pick up her property. And when she did pick up her stuff, she didn't even inquire about taking the dogs with her and left them again at my house. Now it has been a year since... View More

Adam Studnicki
Adam Studnicki
answered on Oct 11, 2015

If they dogs are her property, then they are her property. You might ask for compensation for your costs in taking care of her property.

Please Take Notice: I am not your lawyer unless we enter into an engagement agreement in writing. This is only general information. It is NOT legal...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Arizona on
Q: What happens if you abandon a pregnant dog in az.in the summer when its 115 degrees out
Adam Studnicki
Adam Studnicki
answered on Jul 14, 2015

Animal cruelty is a crime in Arizona. As well it should be!

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Arizona on
Q: Is it legal to put a dog down at home in Arizona?
Adam Studnicki
Adam Studnicki
answered on Jul 14, 2015

I don't know for sure, but I do know there are companies that will come to your home and help you with this humanely. I know someone who did it with their kitty and it made a horrible experience a bit more palatable, knowing her pet died at home, peacefully.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Arizona on
Q: is it legal to leave a dog in a backyard if a neighbor is checking on it?

Looks like my neighbor left and has their Great Dane in the backyard. I noticed the neighbor going over their and staying for a bit then leaving as if he was checking on him. Is this legal?

Adam Studnicki
Adam Studnicki
answered on Jul 19, 2015

I'm not aware of any statutes that make it illegal as long as the dog is properly being taken care of. A criminal lawyer can verify.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Arizona on
Q: We took our deceased dog to a clinic for cremation. They said state law required copy of drivers license. True?

The clinic was in Arizona.

Adam Studnicki
Adam Studnicki
answered on Aug 5, 2015

Not sure, but why should that be a problem?

Please Take Notice: I am not your lawyer unless we enter into an engagement agreement in writing. This is general information that is given for legal education only. It is not legal advice, and it may not work for your specific situation. It is...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Arizona on
Q: My dog grooming business is being sued for injury to a dog. Part of their claim is for emotional trauma. This possible?
Adam Studnicki
Adam Studnicki
answered on Jul 2, 2015

Generally speaking, animals are considered property in Arizona and damage to property generally does not include emotional trauma. Turn it over to your business insurance to handle.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Arizona on
Q: My family and i left for a vacation to california we left our dog with my neighbor (she offered) by the 2nd day i get a

Call tellin me my dog got hit by a car and didnt survive she said she paid and she hasnt paid. What can i do?

Adam Studnicki
Adam Studnicki
answered on Jun 12, 2015

Sorry for your loss.

It's possible her homeowner's (or renter's) liability insurance would cover it. Ask her to make a claim on her policy if she has insurance.

Also, depending on the value of your dog, you can sue in small claims court.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Arizona on
Q: My 5 month old dog went missing. Two young boys removed her tags, but left her collor on and sold her. I have her again

We were able to find the boys, get her tags back from the dad, buy her back from the person she was sold to. Them knowingly removing her tags, where do i stand legally?

Adam Studnicki
Adam Studnicki
answered on Jun 3, 2015

The parents of the boys are likely responsible for the damages their boys caused to you. There is a chance their homeowner's (or renter's) liability insurance policy might cover it. You can also file a police report.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Arizona on
Q: My question involves an injury that occurred in the state of: Arizona

Our good friends did us the favor of watching our dog while we are on our honeymoon. I got a call this morning saying our dog attacked their dog. They have 5 dogs in the house. Something just doesn't add up to me. My dog has never had any issues with violence before. He does very well with... View More

Adam Studnicki
Adam Studnicki
answered on May 29, 2015

Generally speaking, in Arizona, dog owners are liable when their dog bites and causes damage, unless it can be proved the dog was provoked. Be well.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Arizona on
Q: My tenant has a dog that is aggressive. What can I do?
Adam Studnicki
Adam Studnicki
answered on May 29, 2015

Your tenant is probably primarily liable. However, anyone can be sued. So make sure you have a good insurance liability policy that covers you.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Arizona on
Q: If you give your dog up for adoption then it bites someone, can they sue you knowing that it's bitten in the past
Adam Studnicki
Adam Studnicki
answered on Dec 19, 2015

Anyone can sue, doesn't mean it's a good case.More info is needed to analyze your particular situation. Let your insurance handle it.

Please Take Notice: I am not your lawyer unless we enter into an engagement agreement in writing. This is only general information. It is NOT...
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