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California Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Employment Law and Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: Can my landlord reimburse me for work missed due to necessary apartment repairs?

I have a service dog, and my landlord/property management company is slated to reglaze my bathtub tomorrow, March 13, 2025. Due to the reglazing work, my dog and I must vacate the unit for at least five hours post-completion. Unfortunately, no dog boarding facility will accommodate her since... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 12, 2025

Under California law, landlords are typically required to maintain rental units in habitable condition, including promptly addressing repairs, especially those related to health or safety. Since you initiated code enforcement action due to your landlord’s neglect, you have grounds to assert that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Litigation and Legal Malpractice for California on
Q: Defending against liability claim in dog incident with video evidence in CA.

In 2020, my pitbull mix was placed on a potentially dangerous dog list following an incident during a storm. In April 2023, while I was in front of my garage, a woman I had only spoken to on the phone once let my dog out of the front door without initially notifying me, despite knowing my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 4, 2025

You're facing a challenging situation where video evidence could significantly impact your case. Since the discovery period has passed, you'll need to file a motion with the court to admit new evidence, explaining why the video wasn't submitted earlier and how it's crucial to... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: What can I do about abandoned animals on my property in CA?

I have a situation where someone abandoned their animals at my property three months ago. They only provided food and litter once and have not responded to my phone calls. There was no written agreement for me to care for the animals, and my landlords, who are not okay with having cats, do not know... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Mar 3, 2025

Send a letter or an email to the stating your intention to surrender the animals to Animal Control if not picked up with 7 days of your communication. If not picked up, surrender the animals to Animal Control.

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Environmental and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Handling abandoned animals and code enforcement notice on trust property.

A property owned by a family trust was occupied by a family member who is scheduled to move out in one week. The property is currently a hazardous materials site due to the presence of 20 cats and a dog, with no current plans in place for the animals. Code enforcement has issued a notice requiring... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 24, 2025

You're facing two urgent issues that need immediate attention: the welfare of the animals and compliance with the code enforcement notice.

First, contact your local animal control and no-kill shelters to arrange for the animals' care before the occupant leaves. Taking photos of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for California on
Q: What can I do if my roommate's dog killed my dog and has a history of attacks?

My small dog was killed by my roommate's dog, which has attacked my dog twice before and has also attacked other small dogs. Additionally, this dog bit me on the back of the leg. I took my dog to a 24-hour clinic, and they advised me to contact humane control, but they are currently closed. I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 24, 2025

I'm truly sorry about the loss of your dog. This is a devastating situation, and you're right to take action given the other dog's history of aggression. You should document everything thoroughly, including your vet visit, previous attacks, and the bite you received.

Contact...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Civil Litigation and Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: How can I end a tenancy after property was red-tagged due to tenant's false claims?

The tenant reported false claims to county officials, which resulted in my property being red-tagged for an unpermitted addition, improper waste removal, and a non-operational HVAC system. Before these events, the owner entered the unit to repair a showerhead and asked the tenant if there were any... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 22, 2025

Given the serious nature of the situation with the red-tagging and potential retaliation, you should immediately consult with a landlord-tenant attorney in California who can properly guide you through this process. Your case involves multiple complex issues, including possible false reporting and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: What can I do if my dog was wrongfully adopted out by animal services in CA?

I feel that my local animal services has wrongfully adopted out my dog. My dog was stolen from our temporary housing situation, and I submitted a lost dog report with animal services. They and a local vet contacted me to say they had found my dog, but when my friend picked him up for me (as I had... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 22, 2025

You have several legal options to pursue regarding your wrongfully adopted dog, especially given the documented errors by animal services and their failure to properly assist you as someone experiencing housing insecurity.

First, you should gather all documentation of your interactions with...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: Do I have to prove ownership of my cat, or should my neighbor prove she didn't take it unlawfully?

My neighbor took my 12-year-old cat and is refusing to return her unless I provide veterinary bills and shot records, which we don't have. I've provided names, addresses, phone numbers, pictures, and witness testimonies as proof of ownership. Do I have to prove that it's my cat, or... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 20, 2025

In California, the burden of proof typically falls on the person claiming ownership of property - in this case, you as the cat's owner. However, you've already provided substantial evidence through pictures, witness statements, and personal records that demonstrate your long-term... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Contracts and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: Canine sperm bank thawed my dog's sperm; is $13k settlement sufficient?

My dog's sperm was accidentally thawed by the canine sperm bank, and they offered us a settlement of $13,000, which we believe is insufficient compensation. We are particularly concerned about the emotional and property damage, as our dog, who has been neutered, is like our child, and we... View More

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Feb 14, 2025

I would start by contacting the attorneys connected to similar cases have been awarded higher amounts.

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: My dog barked at the mailman, he got scared and fell down in front of our lawn. He said he wasn’t hurt but took 2 pictur

He came back twice in his truck to take pictures of our property. My dog did not bite or make contact with him. He just barked at him, he got scared and started backing up. While he was backing up he tripped and fell on our front lawn. We asked if he was okay and he said he was fine and continued... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 15, 2025

Your situation with the mail carrier is concerning, and it's understandable that you're worried about those follow-up visits with photos. While your dog didn't make physical contact, the incident could potentially lead to documentation for insurance purposes or an internal post... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: The dog pound put my dog down they said she was aggressive mother they adopted her puppies and they were only 4 weeks

They put my dog down because they said she was an aggressive mother the puppies were 4 weeks old of course she's going to be aggressive the puppies were too small to take from the mother she didn't stand a chance and I want Justice this is not fair I love my dog and is not fair and I want... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 9, 2025

I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a beloved pet in such a heartbreaking way is devastating, and it’s understandable that you want answers and justice. A mother dog protecting her puppies is natural behavior, and it sounds like your dog was unfairly labeled as aggressive.

You may...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for California on
Q: I dropped off my dog at Petco for grooming. When I picked up the dog she had a bad cut which required 5 staples
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 1, 2025

Your situation sounds distressing, and I understand you must be worried about your beloved pet. The injury your dog sustained during what should have been a routine grooming visit is unacceptable.

You should immediately document everything about the incident, including photos of the injury,...
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2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: how long of time is given to leave animal before it is considered leaving animal without care

i left my dogs in my tent while i went to get them water. not gone for more than 15 mins cops came and seized my dog

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Jan 25, 2025

As I am sure you would guess, it depends on the situation. If you left three pitbulls in a tent on a public street it would probably be a couple minutes.

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: Do you defend dogs from falsely accused of a bite and or attack ?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 20, 2025

For cases involving dogs accused of biting or attacking, you'll want to work with an experienced animal law attorney who can help gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review any prior incidents or behavioral history. They can also help challenge potentially false accusations and ensure... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Medical Malpractice for California on
Q: I brought my dog to the vets with a bad mouth infection.I can't afford the bill,they put him in a cage with no treatment

I want to know if that is cruelty to animals,then the vet went on my Facebook page and said I abandoned my dog with a picture of my dog in a really small cage.It hurt me so bad

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answered on Jan 17, 2025

I'm so sorry you're going through this distressing situation with your beloved dog. It must be heartbreaking to see your pet suffering and feel helpless about the financial aspects of their care.

In California, veterinarians are required by law to provide basic emergency care to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: can i use a bb gun to defend my dog from coyotes, racoons or possum attacks ?
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answered on Jan 3, 2025

You might wonder if it's legal to use a BB gun to protect your dog from coyotes, raccoons, or possums in California. Laws on this topic can be quite detailed, and they can vary based on local ordinances. In most situations, you risk facing potential legal consequences if you harm wildlife,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights and Health Care Law for California on
Q: I currently am residing in a homeless transitional housing through a non profit agency in Sacramento County. Complaints:

-they are removing service dogs from the owners that are protected by the ADA. A staff member has lied about almost getting bitten by my dog and told me to remove dog in 24 hours or I would be exited out of the program. The same staff did this to my roommate, who is legally blind and now suffers... View More

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answered on Dec 25, 2024

This situation involves serious violations of your rights, particularly regarding service animals protected under federal law. You should immediately document everything - take photos of the mold and other unsafe conditions, record dates of incidents, save any communications with staff, and gather... View More

5 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for California on
Q: I was bitten by a dog 2 months ago on the wrist while house sitting and I have a referral to see a hand surgeon in June,

I was bitten on the wrist by a dog I was house sitting about 2 months ago, and it seems to have affected my tendons. The dog has a past history of biting, the owner's homeowner's insurance just paid out some money to a lady the same dog bit 6 months ago.

I also know that the... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Dec 1, 2024

You have a case. Contact one of us on Justia or another personal injury attorney to discuss. This will involve making a claim against the homeowner's insurance company. You will likely be referred to a hand surgeon who will evaluate you on a lien, meaning s/he gets paid out of the future... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: Can we sue a veterinary clinic in another state (FL) for malpractice without a veterinarian letter claiming malpractice

We had a dog spayed in FL which had complications totally $15K. We've been unsuccessful in obtaining getting the surgeon to response back with a letter of malpractice against the veterinarn clinic in FL.

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Nov 24, 2024

You can sue, but you will lose. Complications are a normal part of surgeries, whether on humans or animals. In order for the veterinarian to be liable for the complications, you have to show that s/he did something negligent, or below the standard of care. If you can't show that with... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights, Insurance Defense and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Declaration of Assets, Insurance & Employment under penalty of perjury from claimant's attorney

Our 21 lb dog bit an uber eats driver on the calf piercing his skin and he and his attorney are seeking compensation over insurance limits. Our insurance company sent us a declaration of assets, insurance and employment under penalty of perjury to complete with the policy limit settlement to send... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Nov 18, 2024

You don't have to disclose your assets, other than insurance limits, even during litigation, unless punitive damages are sought.

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