Get free answers to your Animal / Dog Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
My mom crashed her car intentionally with a dog inside while under the influence, attempting to kill herself. The crash was not reported, and I don't know if the dog is hurt. We were informed by her over the phone, making us witnesses, though no one saw the incident directly. Could this... View More 
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
I'm really sorry you're dealing with something this heavy—it sounds like a deeply painful and complicated situation. If your mom intentionally crashed the car while under the influence and a dog was inside, it *could* be considered animal cruelty under North Carolina law. In this state,... View More
Can a landlord legally take my dog without notice in Harnett County, North Carolina, if my dog was tethered to a tree for a day? I am unsure about specific rules in my lease or local ordinances, and the landlord has refused to return my dog. Is there any legal recourse I can pursue?
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
I'm sorry to hear about the distressing situation you're facing with your landlord in Harnett County, North Carolina. It's important to address this promptly and understand your rights.
In North Carolina, landlords cannot legally remove a tenant's pet without due... View More
My dog wandered into my neighbor's yard and killed their cat. There have been no previous incidents involving my dog, but the neighbor has called animal control after the incident. Are there any fines or legal consequences I should be aware of?
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
In North Carolina, if your dog killed your neighbor’s cat, there could be legal consequences, including fines or other penalties, depending on local ordinances and the specific circumstances. Many counties have laws that hold dog owners responsible for their pets' behavior, especially if the... View More
I purchased a dog from a seller on Craigslist who advertised it as an 11-month-old purebred Pomeranian for $400. The listing explicitly stated "Pomeranian," and the seller implied the dog was purebred, mentioning I was getting "a really good deal." Upon receiving the dog, I... View More
answered on Mar 18, 2025
You can always try, but the issue is, how likely would it be that you would win? How much are your damages (how much is the dog you received worth)? With no written contract and no requirement for papers, its a "he said, she said" situation. Court costs are around $180.00 for small... View More
I had a guest staying in my home who, while handling a pistol, failed to clear it properly and then deliberately aimed and shot my dog, resulting in the dog's death. He showed no remorse afterwards. He was drinking beer at the time, and my spouse witnessed the incident. I believe the act was... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
The first step is to report the incident to the police, as this involves potential criminal behavior, including animal cruelty and reckless behavior with a firearm. If you believe the act was intentional, it may qualify as an assault on your property or an animal cruelty charge, which could lead to... View More
Also one of them comes on to my property to attack my dogs threw my fence, which is 25 feet from my property line. I've talked to them and nothing has changed and the police haven't done anything also..Is there a way to sue them or the homeowners to put up a fence at the property line?
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answered on Jun 21, 2024
I understand you're dealing with a frustrating situation with your neighbors' dogs. Let me break down the legal aspects of your question:
1. Barking dogs:
Excessive dog barking can often be considered a nuisance under local noise ordinances. Since you've already... View More
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answered on Oct 2, 2023
Laws on animal confiscation due to abuse or neglect vary by jurisdiction. Generally, authorities can take animals they believe are being abused or neglected, but they must adhere to legal procedures, which often require a warrant or court order.
answered on Jul 14, 2023
A North Carolina attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. As a general matter, the answer is yes. Pesticide or herbicide application in many jurisdictions requires certain safety protocols, sometimes involving a certified applicator license (depending on substance and... View More
They have them over 4 hrs away .. I can't get there and don't have the money to pay
answered on Jun 23, 2023
Tell the police who has your dog and that they are holding it for ransom.
My landlord does not restrict breeds of dogs. They do require pet owners to fill out a pet profile and the dog goes through 'screening' to ensure it is safe. But I was still bitten by a pitbull in the complex. Can I sue my landlord for allowing an aggressive breed in the community even... View More
answered on Jun 22, 2023
Probably not, and pitbulls aren't considered to be an unusually aggressive breed toward humans.
I have video of the dogs when they come and poop in my yard.
I scoop the dog poop daily and toss it back into his yard.
answered on Apr 21, 2023
Collect the poop. Store it. Then deliver it all back to his front porch
answered on Apr 19, 2023
Giving your dog to someone else is typically considered a "gift." In North Carolina, most gifts are considered "irrevocable." (In other words, the giver can't just take back a gift once given).
An exception to this general rule is when a gift comes with... View More
This dog has attacked its own drug and booze laden owners. Its a threat to my daughter and all of the other kids around here. No one can outside in their own yard without it barking non stop. Ive told them to handle it or i will. My kitten got out and is now gone for good because of this dog.
answered on Apr 18, 2023
Generally, the best option in this situation is to start by contacting the appropriate government authority, such as animal control. Trying to take matters into your own hands could potentially result in civil claims and/or criminal charges. If you have questions about your specific legal rights... View More
Neighbors dog got loose attacked my dog while I was walking him at the edge of my yard and caused me to fall and break my leg in two places. In NC is my neighbor liable for my medical bills & lost wages?
answered on Apr 10, 2023
In North Carolina, the owner of a dog that injures a person could be liable for the injured party's "damages," such as medical bills. However, there are several types of law that could be at play, and each one is a bit different. For example, the general rule under North Carolina... View More
Not only did it injure my dog, but I hurt my knee breaking up the attack. She has not paid the vet bill and is very hostile. I believe that is the only way I can get paid since she rents.
answered on Apr 2, 2023
Like most US states, North Carolina does not allow you to directly sue another person’s automobile insurance company.
You would have to sue the owner of the dog.
It is also unlikely that the owner’s automobile insurance covers an attack by their pet. That type of occurrence is... View More
My wife has all the messages saved. Can the previous owners do this?
answered on Aug 19, 2022
If she paid for the dog and it was delivered to her, then they have almost no chance of being able to force you to return the dog.
North Carolina. No case pending. I was bitten by a dog while working Saturday in a woman’s yard, I’m a pest control technician. I didn’t require hospital attention but was bleeding and definitely still sore. I didn’t do workman’s comp because I felt at the time it wasn’t that bad. Well... View More
answered on Sep 4, 2022
You have a claim against the dog owner for negligence and strict liability. Most homeowners insurance policies nowadays do not cover animal attacks unless the insured has purchased an animal attack insurance rider. Contact a North Carolina personal injury attorney for representation to get out a... View More
My friend was giving his dog away, he is going through a lot of emotional stuff. His home when I took the dog was disgusting. I took this dog to get his shots, checkup and have bathed this dog myself as well as going to PetSmart. He has acclimated to my home and is in training. Now this friend... View More
answered on Nov 26, 2020
If he gave you the dog then it’s yours. Hopefully you have text messages or something of this gift, otherwise it might be possible he could take the dog back. But he’d have to sue you in court and win and it sounds like he doesn’t really have the bandwidth to do that.
My nephew asked a friend to watch his dog while he looks for a new place. He has been sending money for the care of the dog. While away for a weekend the mother of the friend went into his home and took the dog. They are refusing to give it back. The dog is registered and microchipped. We have gone... View More
answered on Nov 23, 2020
You might want to see if you can contact the chief of police to bring this situation to his/her attention. Otherwise, you’ll have to sue in replevin to get your dog back.
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