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California Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

James L. Arrasmith
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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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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Animal / Dog Law and Civil Rights for California on
Q: What is penal code 487 e PC
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answered on Nov 15, 2024

Under California law, Penal Code 487(e) PC deals with grand theft of animals, specifically the theft of certain domestic animals including horses, ponies, mules, cows, sheep, pigs, goats, or other farm animals valued at more than $950.

This offense is considered grand theft, which can be...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: Pet law My dog passed away after vet appt ..I need to see what I can do to get justice for what they prescribed her
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answered on Nov 15, 2024

I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved dog. Losing a pet is heartbreaking, and it's understandable you're seeking answers about the prescribed treatment.

In California, you have the right to file a veterinary malpractice complaint if you believe your pet...
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2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: A vet illegally adopted out my lost dog. How do I get the court to tell me who adopted my dog?

I have a civil lawsuit open against the vet. Although they dont have possession of my dog they know who does. The finder of my dog is also their client. Is it possible to find out who adopted him? What do I ask the judge for? The vet has not been at all helpful and claims to have lost my dogs... View More

Edward Grichanik
Edward Grichanik
answered on Oct 29, 2024

In cases like this, you can typically file a civil claim or request a court order to compel the veterinary clinic to release the adopter’s information. Documenting evidence that the dog is yours, such as vet records, photos, and any microchip information, will be essential to support your case.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights, Federal Crimes and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: ESAs forced neglect and abuse

The shelter where I used to stay with my wife kicked me out for arguing with her and let her stay,but they would not let her keep them with her.

Instead they told her she has to change rooms and can keep them in her old room by themselves and feed them once a day and scoop the cat boxes but... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 12, 2024

I'm really sorry you're going through this difficult situation. Start by documenting every incident, including dates, times, and descriptions of how your ESAs were treated. This evidence will be important if you decide to take legal action.

Reach out to a local attorney who...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: Should I file for replevin or file a request for inspection during meet and confer in CA to get my dog back.

A local vet did not notify

Humane Animal Services but instead allowed my dog to go home with the finder.

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answered on Oct 6, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your situation with your dog; that must be incredibly stressful. Being separated from a beloved pet is difficult, especially under unexpected circumstances.

In California, if someone else has possession of your dog, you might consider filing a replevin action,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for California on
Q: I'm SMI verified and my doctor wrote a letter for 6 emotional support animal cats and city limits 3 pets

I live in a homeless shelter that helps get housing but they don't tell the matches they found for me that I've got emotional support animals so I keep getting denied and even more the shelter say I'm refusing the housing and so they're trying to kick me out the... View More

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answered on Oct 1, 2024

It sounds like you’re facing a very challenging situation. Legally, emotional support animals (ESAs) are protected under the Fair Housing Act, which requires housing providers to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. However, this can become complicated when local pet... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: I need an attorney who would handle a theft of a dog.

The pet was stolen from my daughter by her ex boyfriend. Proof of ownership by her is available.

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answered on Sep 17, 2024

You should look for an attorney experienced in handling cases involving theft and property disputes. Since pets are often considered personal property under the law, an attorney familiar with property law or animal law can guide you through the process of recovering your daughter’s dog. Make sure... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: If someone can take care of a dog and then later wants it back, what rights do I have to keep it

Two people rescued a dog from TJ and one person could not take care of it. And care giver was responsible for the last couple months. Then all of a sudden wants the dog back. What’s rights do I have

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answered on Sep 14, 2024

When you have been caring for a dog for an extended period, you may have certain rights to keep it, especially if you have been providing food, shelter, and medical care. California law often considers the best interests of the animal and may regard the person who has been the primary caregiver as... View More

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