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Indiana Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Indiana on
Q: My wife and I purchase the dog together. But her name is on the paperwork. I have been the one she is with. Whos dog?

She left the dog with me period I'm still taking care of her. Who's dog is she now? We are going to go through a divorce. I know they're treated as property. I just want to know if because her name is on the paperwork, she can come take the dog from me. I have cared for her taking... View More

Alexander Florian Steciuch
Alexander Florian Steciuch
answered on Mar 19, 2017

I'm so sorry for this situation you find yourself in. Most likely if the original purchase of the dog is in your wife's name, then the dog is hers. However, there may be some hope for you in this situation.

Ignore her claims that you stole the dog. If she calls the police and...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Indiana on
Q: My neighbors let their dogs wander around wherever they want

My neighbors let their dogs wander around wherever they want and I frequently have to slam on my breaks or swerve to avoid hitting them when they wander into the road. I'm afraid someone is going to hit them some day. What can I do? They also look underfed to me but that is just speculation.

Alexander Florian Steciuch
Alexander Florian Steciuch
answered on Mar 3, 2017

What do you want to have happen? It sounds like you want to have the neighbors pen in their animals and treat them well. There is not much from a legal standpoint that you can do however. If the dogs are trespassing onto your property or are destroying your property you can bring a lawsuit against... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Indiana on
Q: Can I get my dog back even tho I dont have papers or anything on her yet?

A person I know said they would keep my dog for a little while for me. Now I want her back and they won't let me have her. I hadn't gotten her registered yet tho, so I have no papers or anything stating she's mine. They took her to the vet and the vet told them they wouldn't... View More

Alexander Florian Steciuch
Alexander Florian Steciuch
answered on Mar 3, 2017

Yes, there is still a chance for you to get your dog back. I would suggest contacting the police and filing a report with them. They may be able to assist you. However, if the police decide to stay out of it you will have to contact an attorney to assist you in this situation. When you find an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Indiana on
Q: I asked my aunt if she could keep my dog for short period of time! Now she won't give my dog back! Said I have him

To her! Which I did not! He is a family dog that is very sweet and expensive! What can I do? Please help me get my dog back

Paul Stanko
Paul Stanko
answered on Jan 22, 2017

Go to small claims court and file a Notice of Claim.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Wrongful Death for Indiana on
Q: My kitten was killed my my roommates dog that became loose and entered my room. Is the owner responsible for vet bill?

My lease agreement states that I can have 1 pet. The dog has shown aggression towards children and small animals, as well as bitten a child, which is not legally reported. The owner says that she is not responsible for anything because she told me that her dog has aggression issues. The landlord... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Dec 21, 2016

Did the dog turn the handle on the door? Did the cat let him in? Did you and your roomate have an agreement about how the dog would be restricted when owner was away.

Sounds like you put all responsibllity on her. If you let the door be opened, unlocked, dogs will be dogs, cats will be...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Indiana on
Q: My cousin dropped his dog off to me two months ago and hasn't come to get her. By law whose dog is she now?

He has only paid 100 for her first shots. I supply food and other get needs

Paul Stanko
Paul Stanko
answered on Oct 27, 2016

Dogs are considered property. If he comes back to retrieve the dog, you will probably have to give him/her up. I suggest you document all of your expenses. If you are emotionally attached to the dog, consider consulting a lawyer about filing a small claim against your cousin.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Indiana on
Q: What can I do if I found my dog that was stolen a year ago. He is not chipped I only have pictures to prove my ownership

I also made a post on a lost pet Facebook page with his pictures and description that shows the date I lost him and made the post. That with witnesses that know it is my dog will that be enough to prove my ownership so I can get my dog back?

Paul Stanko
Paul Stanko
answered on Oct 27, 2016

That is pretty compelling evidence. Contact the police to file a report.

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for Indiana on
Q: Do I have to notify person I'm suing over a dog bite of who I'm supeonaing? Isn't that only in normal court?

What are the laws in Indiana for dog bites? Isn't it the state law that you have to report every bite? I was told that a dog has to be quarantined for 10 days after he bites and it has to be reported. Is that correct? Are there some dog bite laws and where might I find them? Thank you.

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Oct 4, 2016

If you were bitten consult an attorney who is a member of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Assn--they give free consultations.If you were the dog owner, report it to your homeowners. Let them handle it .

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Indiana on
Q: Is my dog allowed anywhere on my property or does it have to be a certain distance from neighbors property line?

My neighbor has had the property line marked after her dog was unleashed and came into my yard. Now she has told me that my dog has to be 15 feet away from the property line. This keeps my dog from being able to use most of our yard. I cannot find an answer to my question anywhere.

Paul Stanko
Paul Stanko
answered on Oct 1, 2016

Your dog can be anywhere on your property. Now, if your dog's presence somehow entices the neighbor's dog onto your property, it would be prudent to keep your dog a safe distance away.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Indiana on
Q: My dog was attacked by neighbor's dogs THROUGH my fence. Neighbor has failed to respond to certified letter and copy

left on their door - to have their homeowner's contact me. I believe they are ignorant of the fact that they are probably liable. (my dog weighs 7 lbs, is quiet and sweet, and they have four dogs (a mastiff and two large boxers among them) left unattended many hours every day - which have... View More

Paul Stanko
Paul Stanko
answered on Sep 24, 2016

As much as you may hate to resort to a lawyer in a neighbor dispute, you may have no alternative. Consult an attorney who handles civil cases in your local community. Make clear your desire to handle matters in an amicable way. As a dog "owner" myself, I feel your pain. An attorney can be... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Criminal Law and Personal Injury for Indiana on
Q: Can parent who put child in harmful area be responsible if they get bit by someones dog

Parents was afraid dog would bit but let the child stay where dog was and dog did bite.

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Jul 20, 2016

Depends on circumstances. If it's a public area, dog would have to be on a leash. Owner lets dog not be in owners total control, usually on owner.

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3 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for Indiana on
Q: Dog bite to little girl and being sued and wanting dog put down

Little girl we babysit was bit by my dog in the face. Parents say that if we put dog down they will not want anything other then that. Girl is 5 and tried to pull dog away from food that she had been giving him. What do i do

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Jul 18, 2016

This isn't so much a legal question but I would advise if they give you a full release then it would not be inappropriate to put the dog down as the dog has had "one bite" and thereafter the law would expect you to take significant precautions. But they are certainly free to ask... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Car Accidents and Consumer Law for Indiana on
Q: Can our home owners ins be liable for a lady who hit our dog?

RANDOLPH county Indiana. We live in the country, not within city limits. Our dog was half on the road and half on our property. A lady was speeding down our road and drug the dog over 100 feet, did not stop. Went down the road about 1/2 or so and made a police report once she noticed her car was... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Jun 30, 2016

Report it to your homeowners. Let them deny her. You may have a claim for the dog though in most states the value is minimal.

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Indiana on
Q: Wanting to avoid court...

My sons girlfriend recently moved out of her parents house, she's 19... Without having to go to court, what can she do to get her dog back from her parents who are refusing to give the dog to her? She has a few vet bills and some prize ribbons she's won. Please help??

Robert Jason De Groot
Robert Jason De Groot
answered on Nov 13, 2015

What you are asking is whether she can sue, and we do not have enough facts from you to answer that. The parents will probably say that they own the dog, right? Of course she can go pay an attorney a ton of money to sue, or she might try it herself, but will need to know what the court costs are... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Indiana on
Q: My dogs are on leads neighbors dog's tease and harads

My dogs are on leads and the neighbors have three dogs that come on my property and harass my dogs animal control says there not going to do anything about because I live in csl in north vernon the sheriff's department says there's nothing they can do unless they are being violent when... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Oct 28, 2015

Build a fence.

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Indiana on
Q: If another dog goes on my property and harass my dogs and they are on leads what can I do in the state of Indiana
Robert Jason De Groot
Robert Jason De Groot
answered on Oct 27, 2015

You can probably call animal control and report the incident.

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2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Indiana on
Q: A neighbor of mine has been refusing to stop feeding my small old dog food that my vet has told me not to feed him and

she has been doing it for 4 months now, can anything legally be done to stop her?

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Oct 9, 2015

Yes, but wouldn't it be easier to simply keep your dog away from your neighbor?

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Indiana on
Q: A hunter shot an killed my dog. IC 35-46-3-12, is not applicable, because he is underage. What are my remedies?

I am trying to get the Indiana DNR precedents prior to addressing the juvenile court.

Burton A. Padove
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answered on Mar 10, 2011

You do not have a remedy in juvenile court. You may have a remedy in small claims for the fair market value of your dog.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Indiana on
Q: Is there a reclaiming law for a domestic animal such as a dog in the state of Indiana?
Burton A. Padove
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answered on Mar 29, 2011

Please rephrase. I do not understand your question. Thank you

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