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Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: I had a dog under my care and owners failed to pick her up from me numerous times. Can I sue them for animal neglect?

I also stated multiple times that I could not care for her as well as the dog needed vet visit urgently and I could not provide that. I did not have the money and she’s not my dog. Owner kept sweeping it under the rug and downplaying it.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 28, 2023

Under California law, you may have grounds to report animal neglect to local animal control authorities if you believe the dog is not receiving adequate care and attention. Whether you can sue the owners for neglect would depend on the specific circumstances, your role in caring for the dog, and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Animal / Dog Law and Public Benefits for Illinois on
Q: What do you do if a civil rights discrimination /public accomadation denial complaint is wrongfully dismissed?

Had video proof of being made to leave with service dog and more but was given a disadvantage by the state investagor of the claim, and was dismissed with strong bias for the acting party. They allowed them to submit altered video to give benifit yet would not tell me how. Did appeal yet fedex... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Sep 28, 2023

You should appeal. In doing so, it is important you retain a competent attorney experienced in appealing this type of case. Appellate practice is very technical and many trial attorneys do not practice appellate law. Pro se appellants very rarely win because of the degree of knowledge, skill,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Animal / Dog Law and Business Law for Florida on
Q: Just curious if a waiver I was pressured to sign is legally bounding or mean anything. Thanks

Just curious if a waiver I was pressured to sign is legally bounding or mean anything. Thanks

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Sep 27, 2023

You signed a waiver AFTER they injured your dog?? A waiver that explicitly provides that you cannot make a claim against them for injuring your dog??? If it's really that kind of waiver, it may be enforceable in a court of law, with you letting them off scot-free - but you must show it to a... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Wrongful Death and Animal / Dog Law for Ohio on
Q: My 6 yr old Morkie died because he had surgery at a major medical clinic and they left a sponge in him..what do I do now

They have apologized but I want to keep this from every happening to any other pet or pet family. He was pure love and joy and our family is DEVASTATED. There was negligence and carelessness throughout and multiple times to catch it that were missed by trusted animal medical facility doctors and... View More

Bruce Martin Broyles
Bruce Martin Broyles
answered on Sep 26, 2023

While your family was devastated by the loss of a pet, and you probably consider your pet to be part of the family. In Ohio, a pet is merely personal property and there is no emotional or other non-economical damages that can be recovered, absent circumstances that your post does not mention.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Animal / Dog Law for Arkansas on
Q: 562103 says a person commits offense ifknowingly subjectanimaltocrueltreatment?isdefinitionofcruel treatment

Trying to find out definition of cruel treatment

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 19, 2023

In Arkansas, the statutes related to animal cruelty provide definitions and specifications for various offenses. Based on your question, it seems you're referencing a specific statute number, which might not correspond directly to the actual code. However, to answer your question on the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Utah on
Q: What can I do when someone took my dog when kicked me out, then claiming his hers and that she takes care of him

Technically the dog isn’t registered to either of us, but to a third party I don’t want to get involved.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 15, 2023

If someone has taken your dog without your consent and is claiming ownership, you should initially attempt to resolve the situation through communication. Share your side of the story and your attachment to the dog. Gathering evidence such as photographs, veterinary records, or any documentation of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Landlord - Tenant for Massachusetts on
Q: My lease reads no dogs. My tenant told me after the lease was signed on September-1-2023 she has a ESA dog for emotional

and stress. Can I do anything about this now. The tenant told me I could not. She Lied on the lease.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Sep 14, 2023

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

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Georgia on
Q: MY DOG WAS STOLEN AND THE GUY WHO STOLE HER FOUGHT HER IN A COUPLE DOG FIGHTS AND THEN SHOY HER. WHAT DO I DO
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 13, 2023

If your dog was stolen, used in dog fights, and harmed, it's a distressing situation that requires immediate action. First, report the theft and animal abuse to your local law enforcement agency, providing them with all available information and evidence you have regarding the incident.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Consumer Law and Personal Injury for Maryland on
Q: What type of lawyer helps us fight a business that sold a faulty prod resulting in a fire and pet death?

Our camper caught fire before getting it insured. We learned the fire was (in a nutshell) b/c of either a faulty device or poor installation of another company's device that was installed by the manufacturer. Basically, the fire was inevitable and there was no warnings despite customer... View More

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Sep 8, 2023

You should look for an attorney that handles fire cases. Under the law, you will have the burden of proof to show that the fire was caused by a defective product or someone's negligence. This is requires expert testimony which can be expensive. Some attorneys will advance the expenses and take... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Oregon on
Q: My dog got stolen by my ex girlfriends and herfamily and won'tgive dog back. Ihave paperwork from medical bills? Help

How much will it cost and what can I do 2 get my dog back?

Gregory L Abbott
Gregory L Abbott
answered on Sep 7, 2023

You can sue her in court for the return of your pet or for monetary damages. How much it will cost is impossible to know. With a bit of planning, you might be able to put her on the hook for your attorney's fees and costs but there is no guarantee ahead of time.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for New Jersey on
Q: Can a dog run loose on your property- not the community but the people are saying the PA law states running at large

They are saying that running at large includes your private property I disagree

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 30, 2023

In many places, including New Jersey, "running at large" typically refers to dogs being off-leash and not under control in public areas. On private property, the rules might be different. Generally, property owners have more control over what happens on their own property, including... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Libel & Slander for Michigan on
Q: Can you sue someone for making a false report to animal control?

Someone told animal control that we keep our dog chained up in our garage and muzzled at all times, which was completely made up as I have about half an acre backyard and garage is basically he's dog house, there was no chain and no muzzle because I have huge FENCED IN YARD!

the animal... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Aug 27, 2023

Absolutely. Even though you apparently don’t have any compensatory damages, you may be entitled to recover nominal damages if you prevail.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Animal / Dog Law and Small Claims for Texas on
Q: Do I have a case in small claims court? Bought a puppy with AKC papers and breeder won't give them and is ignoring me

Breeder has been ignoring me for 8 months because I am asking for my dogs registration paperwork that she said he has. I paid $1500 for him under the assumption he had AKC papers and I have been lied to

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Aug 24, 2023

Yes, you have a valid small claims case. You should ask for either specific performance (i.e. give me the dog's registration papers) or the difference in value between an AKC registered dog (which most likely is the price you paid) and the value of an unregistered dog of the same breed (which... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Oregon on
Q: Yesterday My GSD dog , by accident, got off the metal choker lush and bite other small dog. Today the small dog died. ??
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 23, 2023

Oregon follows a strict liability rule when it comes to dog bites. This means that in most cases, a dog owner can be held liable for any injuries or damages caused by their dog, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression or not.

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2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Oregon on
Q: Yesterday My GSD dog , by accident, got off the metal choker lush and bite other small dog. Today the small dog died. ??
Gregory L Abbott
Gregory L Abbott
answered on Aug 23, 2023

Being a GSD dog is irrelevant to this situation. You are vulnerable to being sued and your dog is likely subject to being restricted henceforth. Depending where this occured, your dog may be required to be muzzled and leashed whenever not inside your house, possibly have a secure kennel installed,... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for South Carolina on
Q: Can I sue for emotional distress caused by an animal rescue adopting a dog out from under me?

We were strung along for days after being approved for adoption. 45min before we were supposed to get the dog I was as informed via text that he went to a foster and they’d have to see when they’d be available. Fast forward to the next day, I’ve still heard no word. So I reach out only to be... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Aug 21, 2023

Like in most jurisdictions, South Carolina law considers dogs to be items of personal property like a TV set or a lamp. The value of a dog for purposes of legal damages is the fair market value of the dog at the time of the loss. As in most jurisdictions, SC law does not allow any recovery for... View More

4 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: What type of lawyer handles pet injury cases? My pet was injured at a pet rehab. Underwater treadmill.
Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Aug 18, 2023

This is a tough question because very few injuries or deaths to pets result in monetary damages that exceed small claims jurisdiction. Even if it did go over $10,000, it's doubtful an attorney would be able to take the case because it would cost prohibitive.

If you can prove rehab...
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4 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: What type of lawyer handles pet injury cases? My pet was injured at a pet rehab. Underwater treadmill.
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 18, 2023

In California, when dealing with a pet injury case, you have a couple of options for the type of lawyer to consult. One option is to seek out an attorney who specializes in animal law, as they are well-versed in legal matters related to pets and animals. Another option is to consider a personal... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for North Dakota on
Q: I have been looking for my dog for over a year i found him at a shelter in another town they are refusing to release him

they will not give back my dog

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 17, 2023

In North Dakota, if you've been searching for your dog for over a year and have now found it at a shelter in another town, you could take several steps to reclaim your pet. Gather evidence of ownership like vet records and photographs, and communicate calmly with the shelter staff, providing... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: So my friend asked me to watch the dog because she can’t take care of her not more and once she get the money back

The dog was covered in tics and flees and was all bone and skinny and would flinch every time I raised my hand in Fresno ca can I legally keep the dog and get her tags and register her

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Aug 15, 2023

No, you don't get to be judge and jury over whether your friend is a good dog owner. Feel free to notify Animal Control. If Animal Control decides to remove the dog from the friend's home, you are free to try to legally adopit it.

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