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Washington Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Washington on
Q: my friend wants hes dog back

my friend was staying with a roommate and asked the roommate if he could keep hes dog there until he found a new place and then he did find

a house for him and he's dog and now the roommate doesn't want to give him back is there anything he can do he really misses he's dog ?

Brian Lehman
Brian Lehman
answered on Feb 25, 2017

Here is a list of lawyers near you that specialize in Animal & Dog law: https://www.justia.com/lawyers/animal-dog-law/washington/pierce-county

This type of issue comes up enough that there are articles written on it:...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Washington on
Q: Can anybody take photos of your dog on your own property without your consent
Mr. Michael O. Stevens
Mr. Michael O. Stevens
answered on Dec 8, 2016

As long as they are not trespassing, yes.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: someone asked to pet my dog and they got bit

Is it my fault?

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

Not unless you were aware that your dog would bite anyone who was strange.

I do suggest you notify your homeowners. If the person ask for shot records give them.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Washington on
Q: My boyfriend and I are breaking up. He is the one who originally purchased the dog. Am I at risk of losing my companion?

We both wanted her and he fronted the money, I've been paying him back for my share of her in monthly installments. However, he threatened to get a lawyer or call the police on me if I took her. I'm the one who primarily cares for her, found her (from the breeder) and picked her out,... View More

Marjorie Simmons
Marjorie Simmons
answered on Aug 25, 2016

From your description it sounds as if you are the dog's primary provider. Have you tallied what each of you has paid for her acquisition and care, including time spent, to see where the two of you stand with regard to financial outlays on her behalf? The two of you might benefit from a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Criminal Law, Products Liability and Animal / Dog Law for Washington on
Q: Can my dog get shoot for chasing someone's cat?

My dog dose no harm to anything and he got out of his fence quite a bit here recently and chases the neighbors cats he don't hurt them he just Chase them. And the neighbor said if it happens again he will shoot him.

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Jul 26, 2016

The neighbor can't shoot them because of hunting laws which prohibit firearms use near houses (don't tell the neighbour --they will use something else). You say he got "out of his fece quite a bit" --that is called a nuissance in the law. You need to fix your fence, get a new... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Environmental, Personal Injury and Insurance Defense for Washington on
Q: If wildlife causes an accident are you at fault? Or domesticated animals running into traffic?

I drive rural roads with wildlife from small to big to bigger. Deer often cross the road unannounced. I often have to slam the breaks to avoid a collision. Drivers behind me get pissed and have a near miss. Rural roads = barely patrolled. So drivers go fast and will drive where ever there is... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Jun 28, 2016

You aren't responsible for wild animals--no one is. As far as domesticated animals, the owner of the animal is responsible for them. In the example you gave I don't see why you would be at fault--the other individual collided with the deer, not with you.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Washington on
Q: How old do you have to be to own a dog in Washington state???
Marjorie Simmons
Marjorie Simmons
answered on Jul 15, 2016

That's a really good question, and the answer depends on different factors. In general, to be able to enter into contracts in Washington, you must be 18 years old or older (an "adult"), and not under some other legal constraint. Things like pet licenses and veterinary care services... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Washington on
Q: My roomate dropped my cat at a shelter as found. Without my knowledge. Is this against the law. He didn't like cat.

My roomate didn't like my cat, and dropped him off at a shelter as a found cat. I called around thinking my cat was lost, found him at a shelter. Normally this would be fine if he was lost. But there are too many "coincidences" pointing to my roomate. I had to pay for my cat, and... View More

Marjorie Simmons
Marjorie Simmons
answered on Jul 15, 2016

In Washington it is a gross misdemeanor (crime) to take or conceal pets: RCW 9.08.070 (http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.08.070). Animal cruelty is different and is also covered by state laws in RCW 16.52 (http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=16.52)

It may also be a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Washington on
Q: My friend gave me our dog 8 months ago I got him set up as my capanin animal. Now she is wanting him back what can I do?

I have got our dog little foot set up as my capanin animal. Paid the pet deposit to have him and have solely taken care of him for 8 months.

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Nov 2, 2015

The fact that the dog is now a companion animal for you is of no consequence. If your friend indeed gave the dog to you, your friend cannot now have the dog back.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Washington on
Q: My mom gave my dog away when I was in jail for 13days. Even though she promised he would be fine.Can I Sue her

She promised he would be ok. Now she won't even tell me the town where he is. Only. The county.he is my best friend.

Adam Studnicki
Adam Studnicki
answered on Aug 11, 2015

It sounds like you could, as she got rid of your property. It may be a case for small claims court. A local lawyer can advise.

Please Take Notice: I am not your lawyer unless we enter into an engagement agreement in writing. This is general information that is given for legal education...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Washington on
Q: my dog got out the house again can i get a ticket if my neighbor calls the cops?

dog has attacked there dog before

Adam Studnicki
Adam Studnicki
answered on Jul 18, 2015

Possibly. Depends on local leash laws and other factors.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Washington on
Q: If I didn't sign a contract for a dog can I be sued for how much the dog is worth
Adam Studnicki
Adam Studnicki
answered on Jul 14, 2015

I don't understand the question, the nature of the contract or why you'd be sued.

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