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Illinois Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Illinois on
Q: Our dog was bit by another dog on a morning walk

My boyfriend was walking our dog and someone else's dog bit our dog on the neck and he kicked the dog away from our dog can he get in trouble the lady said she was going to call the police

Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Jan 5, 2017

The answer to your question depends on specific facts that are not provided here. If your dog and/or boyfriend did not provoke the other dog to bite, it was absolutely necessary that your husband take action to stop the attack, and the force your husband used was not overly excessive, then you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Illinois on
Q: Can I get sued?

My dog was off leash and another person happened to be walking their dog. My dog saw them, ran towards them and stopped about 10 ft away. He started barking at them and I called him so he ran straight inside the house. He didn't go near them nor attempt to bite them at all. He was far away... View More

Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Nov 30, 2016

If the dog did not bite the other person, then the damages they have suffered are minimal and it is not justifiable to file a lawsuit against you. That being said, anyone can call the cops and anyone can file a lawsuit, so the person still might do so. However, since the person has not sustained... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Illinois on
Q: My 2 dogs got in a fight in my house Tuesday night I broke them up and was bitten in the process bad enough I had to get

Stitches. Animal control showed up this morning I have to take my dogs to vet tomorrow morning or said I would be charged and fined with animal abuse and one dog is behind on rabie shot so tomorrow she has to go to pound for 10 day quarantine and then another vet visit 10 days after that. Why do... View More

Steve McCann
Steve McCann
answered on Nov 7, 2016

Yes, animal control does have a right to do this, as your dog can be a threat to the public if it behind on its shots.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for Illinois on
Q: I have recently been dog-sitting for a man who who claimed he was going to pay me 100 per week the dog stayed at my pla

Not only has he not paid at all, but the dog recently pulled me down off the leash and resulted in a broken collarbone. I can't work for the next 6-8 weeks as a result of this dog. Can I sue?

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Jul 31, 2016

On the 100 a week yes. On the injury probably not--barring a written agreement it happened as you were acting as an independent contractor, not an employee.Check with a member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Assn --they give free consults--but I don't see it.

If you can't do your...
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1 Answer | Asked in Products Liability and Animal / Dog Law for Illinois on
Q: Pitbull keeps jumping the fence into my backyard I've called the cops twice what can be done

Neighbor lets her Pitbull out and he jumps the fence to my backyard. he's vicious, first time I told then they told me if I didn't like it to build a higher fence. I called the cops the first time and just had to do it again when he jumped it yet again. What can be done I run a small... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Jul 11, 2016

The long expensive way:file a nuissance suit, get an injunction.

Short way-call the local dog warden/dog control officer.

You could also talk to the police supervisor. If you have a day care they should be concerned. What not to do--shoot the dog. You would then be charged, and...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Illinois on
Q: My dogs are accused of escaping & biting someone. There's no evidence either way. How do a make a strong defensive case?

We received an ordinance violation in the mail that our dogs got loose and bit someone. We were home during that time and our dogs were not out, but we do not have any proof, only our word. They obviously do not have proof either. What are our rights, and how do we make a strong defensive case at... View More

Jonathan Rosenfeld
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Jonathan Rosenfeld
answered on Aug 24, 2016

It depends on who you received the 'ordinance' from? Was this a notice from a court? If so you may wish to contact the State's attorney or other person responsible for the prosecution of the case. You can ask when what information they have in their file to support such allegations.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for Illinois on
Q: My dog bite a lady I'm not sure when or the time I received a letter from animal control. What can I do ?

In the letter it says the date and time it happened I'm not sure if it actually did happen that day we were in church. My dog doesn't have his shots he's a small Maltese mix dog he was due last month for his shots but his apt is on March

Mr. Michael O. Stevens
Mr. Michael O. Stevens
answered on Mar 1, 2016

First, contact your homeowners or renters insurance and open a claim so they can take care of defending you if you get sued by the lady. Otherwise, following the instructions on the letter from animal control or hire an attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Illinois on
Q: Ex boyfriend wont give my dog back.

I baught a American Bulldog in September of 2005. All adoption paperwork and microchip is under my name. I didnt even know my ex when I purchased my dog. I let my ex watch him for me and now he wont return my dog. Since all adoption paperwork and microchip and vet bills are all under my name how... View More

Robert Jason De Groot
Robert Jason De Groot
answered on Oct 24, 2015

Sue him. Get an attorney to write a demand letter first, stating that he will be sued for replevin, civil theft, and conversion if he does not hand the dog over, if the facts indicate.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Illinois on
Q: My neighbors dog attacted my dog on my property . Can we kill the dog if it trys to attact my dog again on property?
Adam Studnicki
Adam Studnicki
answered on Jul 14, 2015

That is NOT a good idea. Better to use the legal process. Report the dog to animal control.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Illinois on
Q: My dog accidentally bite a child and the animal control take her away. The child is fine but the dog is not. Can I sue?
Charles Snyderman
Charles Snyderman
answered on May 20, 2014

Please provide more information.

1. Where did this incident occur? For example, on your property, the property where the child lives, in a public park, etc.

2. You say the dog is not fine. What's wrong with the dog, and how did your dog get harmed?

3. Did you incur any...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Illinois on
Q: Am I legally responsible for a dog bite that occurred when the landlord had electricians come in to do work?

Apartment complex had electricians come in to do wiring. The complex had asked for my dogs to be put up in kennels. My fiancé was there when the electricians started working. She left to run som errands, when I get a call from complex saying my dog broke out of his kennel (which he has not done... View More

J. Andrew Brabender
J. Andrew Brabender
answered on Nov 23, 2013

Under the Animal Control Act dog owners are almost always legally responsible for dog bites so long as the dog was not provoked and the victim had a legal right to be where the incident occurred. Renters' and homeowners' insurance usually covers dog bites (though breed restrictions do... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Illinois on
Q: My dog bit a neighbor child who was in my home without my knowledge. Another neighbor has filed a complaint about it.

This other neighbor has nothing to do with the situation but is trying to have my dog deemed dangerous. He has solicited other neighbors and has spread rumors about the matter. He has filed numerous complaints with false allegations and he continues to defame me to the neighborhood. Can I stop him?

Burton A. Padove
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answered on Jul 6, 2011

I hope that the child is ok. You should consider notifying your homeowners insurance carrier of the incident. If you fail to do so, and the child requires extensive medical care or has scarring, your insurer may claim that you have waived coverage.

Concerning the defamation, you may want...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Illinois on
Q: I took my dog to the vet, and the vet messed up and the dog died, can I sue?
Burton A. Padove
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answered on Mar 29, 2011

I am saddened to hear about your loss. Yes. However, you are limited in damages to the actual market value of the dog. the dog is considered to be personal proerty

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Illinois on
Q: Is it legal to leavea dog in my car unattended in Illinlois?
Burton A. Padove
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answered on Jul 16, 2011

It is unlawful in Illinois to confine any animal in a motor vehicle in such a manner that places it in a life or health threatening situation by exposure to a prolonged period of extreme heat or cold, without proper ventilation or other protection from such heat or cold.

This is a class C...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Illinois on
Q: My neighbor told me he'd knock my block off if I complained about his barking dog again. Can I sue him?
Burton A. Padove
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answered on Apr 9, 2011

Sure, if you have been damaged by his conduct.

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