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answered on Nov 10, 2025

You have a strong claim under Massachusetts law; dog owners are strictly liable when their dog injures a person or another domestic animal, unless you trespassed or provoked the dog. Your vet bills and future surgical costs are recoverable, and a police report plus photos and veterinary records... View More

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answered on Sep 11, 2025

Yes, you may have legal grounds to pursue a claim if a dog bit you while on the premises of a business. In many states, dog owners and property owners can be held liable for injuries caused by their pets, even if the dog had no previous history of aggression. Liability can depend on whether the... View More

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answered on Aug 30, 2025

In situations like this, the law generally looks at ownership of a pet the same way it would look at ownership of property. The strongest evidence of ownership is usually who has been caring for the animal, paying for expenses, and whose name appears on important records such as licenses,... View More

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answered on Jul 18, 2025

Nevada is a “two-party consent” state for recording confidential conversations, which includes private, face-to-face discussions in your home.

Because your manager did not agree to the recording and you were inside your residence (where there’s a reasonable expectation of privacy),... View More

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answered on May 14, 2025

That must have been a stressful and confusing experience, especially not knowing what you hit in the moment. On rural roads, it’s understandable to assume a quick-moving animal was wildlife, particularly if nothing was visible afterward. Since you didn’t intentionally leave the scene knowing it... View More

It is illegal under federal law to discriminate in providing housing to any disabled person because they have an emotional support animal. You can request appropriate medical documentation from the disabled tenant confirming that they are actually disabled and that they require the services of an... View More

You sound like you may need an abuse protection order if your safety is threatened by your partner. In a divorce you can motion the Probate and Family Court to have the dog reciting your history of caring for the pet.

You have a restraining order. There's going to be a lot more flexibility before the pet is considered abandoned. He cannot communicate with you in any way, shape or form without violating the restraining order, nor can he come to the house unattended. There is no bright line rule on the number... View More

You should ask for your dog back and find someone else if you still do not have a place. If this person refuses, you should not wait to take legal action. Dogs and other companion animals are still considered property in Massachusetts, so the person will have to return your dog to you unless the... View More

Animal control should release the dog to you once you provide proof of ownership - dog license, photos, whatever you have - provided the officer believes that someone else, not you, left you dog tied for hours and that you did not neglect or abuse your dog. You should be aware that animal control... View More

I am so sorry to hear about your dog. The first place to look would be the contract to see what options are listed there. There might be a 93A Consumer Protection case but you would need to consult with an attorney on the specific facts to see if that avenue is open to you.

Even though dogs are part of the family, this actually isn't a family law issue, it is a property issue. In divorces, pets are handled in the same way as property and divided between the parties in some way. Sometimes there is an every-other-week arrangement like you agreed to previously. When... View More

First, I am so sorry that your new puppy was sick! As to your course of action, it depends. You are above the amount for small claims court but it can be hard to get an attorney to take a case to trial if the sum isn't a lot higher. You may be able to do a demand letter for a settlement... View More

While I can't speak to your specific situation unless you are a client, I can say that animals are considered property in Massachusetts. That means someone has to show ownership, whether it's by a title or some other means, in order to own a dog. For example, if it's a car, there is... View More

A situation like that really depends on the details. Dogs are considered property in Massachusetts, so it's similar, as awful as this sounds, to losing someone's property. Anyone can sue, so it comes down to whether you would be found responsible for the loss. And, as I said, that really... View More

I'm not sure exactly what you're asking, but if you have been charged with a crime, you should speak to a criminal defense attorney.

I can't give you legal advice on your exact situation because you aren't my client. Generally speaking, a dog is considered property in Massachusetts. That means someone has to show they own the dog in order to take that dog away from someone else. In dog cases, it's usually easier... View More

I can't answer your situation specifically because you aren't my client. Generally speaking, there are various ways to prove dog ownership, such as being the owner on a microchip ID, being listed as an owner at the vet, registering the dog with the city or town to get a dog license, and... View More

Have you received medical treatment for same? Are there any scars? You may have a harassment claim against the landlord and if there have been three harassing incidents by this person you can obtain an order from the district court for your locality, but there are special rules under the COVID... View More

The courts view pets as property, therefore this isn't really a family law issue even though all the parties are (or were) family members. He could file a claim in small claims court or if he has documentation that the dog belongs to him (registration, etc.) he might be able to bring a... View More