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Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Kentucky on
Q: My dog supposedly jumped our fence and damaged the neighbors non fenced pool. Are we liable for cost of replacement?

We live out in the country and have seen racoons, opossum, deer, foxes, bob cats, coyotes, stray dogs, ect. around the area. Supposedly one of my dogs got out of our fenced in yard and jumped in our neighbors pool damaging the pool cover and the pool. They have not presented any evidence that it... View More

John Amos Whatley
John Amos Whatley
answered on Nov 8, 2024

In Kentucky, any owner whose dog is found to have caused damage to a person, livestock, or other property shall be responsible for that damage. See KRS 258.235.

I recommend that you give your homeowners insurance carrier notice of the potential loss. I would also give your neighbor your...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Landlord - Tenant for New York on
Q: Can I sue my CAP housing program for denying me an emotional support animal even though I have a mental disability?

My therapist was doing paperwork for one but the housing told me if I get an ESA I will get kicked out

Steven Warren Smollens
Steven Warren Smollens
answered on Oct 27, 2024

Dear Catskill CAP Housing Tenant

I do not know what the basic pet ownership rules are for your Housing. An ESA is not a service animal. NY State has certain anti discrimination rules relat

ing to ESA animal companions that are more expansive than the Federal Rules.

I...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Kansas on
Q: can i put down my dog myself if i cant afford to have a vet do it

my dog is sick and i cant afford to pay for treatment or to put them down can i end there suffering myself

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Oct 27, 2024

I wish I saw your question sooner. A Kansas attorney who has knowledge in animal/dog law should answer, but your question remains open for a month. You may have already taken action by now. Animal cruelty-related legalities aside, this is a terrible approach - if done improperly, it could cause... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Iowa on
Q: My dog had a medical processor done. I was told by the third party surgery would be done if half was paid and monthly

The following month come I gave a payment to the third party to pay the hospital. I did say in the beginning I would make a direct payment they said they didn't want the vet to know it wasn't there dog and it was someone else dog she's housing. So I made the cashepnt to her. Then the... View More

Stephen Murray
Stephen Murray
answered on Oct 18, 2024

Alright, here’s how I’d respond:

You’ve got a tricky situation, but it boils down to this: you agreed to pay the vet hospital directly for your dog’s surgery, not the third party who was involved. From what you’re saying, the third party had you believing there was an outstanding...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Elder Law for Virginia on
Q: I’ve cared for a dog for 3 months, the previous owner can’t properly care for him but is asking for him back now.

I’ve been buying things for him for over a year. There was poop in the house, he would eat her pull-ups and trash. No vet visit or shots and only went outside when she felt like letting him out. I would bring him to my house for several nights to bathe and care for him. She has memory issues and... View More

David G. Parker
David G. Parker pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 17, 2024

Animal control is authorized by the Code of Virginia to seize animals that are being abused or neglected, and it sounds like this probably should have been done before the dog came into your possession. You say that she gave you the dog, but that's a little ambiguous. If you were of the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Child Custody and Family Law for Arizona on
Q: Can my nieces CAA court order my dog to be taken away from me based on a lie of saying he is her emotional support dog?

My brother is going through a custody battle in which temporary orders were given for my nieces to live with their mom. A CAA was brought in and my niece told her that she misses her dog and that she uses her dog as an emotional support animal. The dog in questions was a Christmas gift for the... View More

Stephen M Vincent
Stephen M Vincent
answered on Oct 10, 2024

I am probably too late on this ...

Most likely, the family court does not have jurisdiction over your dog.

The family court only has jurisdiction over dogs in divorces and only when the dog was acquired during the marriage and is the property of one or both of the spouses. In that...
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2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Nebraska on
Q: If I have a fenced in back yard and the neighbor does not, what is my liability if their dog puts its face through the f

Am I financially responsible?

Julie Fowler
Julie Fowler
answered on Oct 10, 2024

Put up a Beware of Dog sign. Talk with your neighbor and let them know that your dog is not friendly and that they shouldn't let their dog come into your yard or try to get through your fence into your yard. Depending on your level of concern and the power of your dog, you could put up mesh... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Nebraska on
Q: If I have a fenced in back yard and the neighbor does not, what is my liability if their dog puts its face through the f

Am I financially responsible?

Stephen Murray
Stephen Murray
answered on Oct 18, 2024

If your fence is properly maintained, you generally would not be liable if a neighbor's dog puts its face through it and gets injured. The responsibility typically falls on the dog’s owner to control their pet. Your liability would only arise if there is a defect in your fence that creates a... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for Oregon on
Q: Can legal action be taken against previous dog owner for not informing new owner about dogs violent behavior

Girlfriend was mauled by a dog she had taken in to rehome Because previousowners could not keep it. Not even 2 months after talk had attacked and injured her enough to be hospitalized for 3 days with serious injuries

Brad  Holbrook
Brad Holbrook
answered on Oct 7, 2024

Short answer: Yes. It also depends on the bred of dog, as some dogs are deemed dangerous by their bred.

These include: pit bulls, rottweilers, Alaskan malamutes, chow chows, Dobermans, huskies, bull terriers, and wolfdogs.

If the previous owner knew or reasonably should have known...
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2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Animal / Dog Law for Louisiana on
Q: I'm the one who posted in West Monroe Louisiana about Pitt bull mauling.. Rental house but landlord admitted he knew

The Pitt was on chain in BK yard for years he broke chain and I pulled up . Is landlord responsible also

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Sep 27, 2024

The landlord may be responsible but more information is needed. My recommendation is that what you should do is contact a personal injury lawyer and set up a consult to discuss the specifics of your matter---most personal injury lawyers provide free consults so you should take us up on these... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Animal / Dog Law and Landlord - Tenant for Louisiana on
Q: Should I sue the landlord owner of property also

I have already told the whole story on line .. I'm elder . The landlord owner of property knew dog was there for years .. Is it lawful to sue both landlord and owner of dog . Both responsible

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Sep 27, 2024

Should you sue? My answer is that what you should do is contact a personal injury lawyer and set up a consult to discuss the specifics of your matter---most personal injury lawyers provide free consults so you should take us up on these opportunities----discuss whether or not to add the landlord... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Collections for Idaho on
Q: Can a debt collector take my dog?

I have a phone call scheduled with a lawyer over a debt collection. He said he's going to ask me what property I own. Will they consider taking my dog?

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Sep 9, 2024

Legally, yes. A dog is property. As a realistic and practical matter, no. First, a dog has to be fed and sheltered. No creditor is going to take a dog only to have to care for it. Second, the purpose of taking property is to be able to sell it to pay some or all of the judgment. Your dog isn't... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Colorado on
Q: Found a dog that was chipped, guardian did not respond to calls/text for a month. Now wants the dog back, help.

The dog was found running loose with choke collar and no tags. He was thirsty, hungry and acted like he had been hungry for a while. We have nurtured him, groomed him and loved him. We have taken the dog to a vet, and invested considerable amount of money, (approximately $1,000). More importantly... View More

Joel Hassell
Joel Hassell
answered on Sep 6, 2024

In Colorado, many municipalities and counties have specific ordinances that address the handling of lost and found animals. These ordinances typically establish procedures for reporting found animals, time limits for reclaiming lost pets, and the responsibilities of animal control. For example, in... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Criminal Law for Oregon on
Q: If you return a stolen dog in oregon can you still be charged
Gregory L Abbott
Gregory L Abbott
answered on Sep 4, 2024

Of course you can - if you stole it to begin with. But you are a lot less likely to be charged and if you are, it likely would be a reduced charge or the D.A. is likely to agree to a much more favorable plea bargain than they would if you knowingly refuse to return the dog you stole.

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2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Criminal Law for Oregon on
Q: If you return a stolen dog in oregon can you still be charged
Jina Ly Clark
Jina Ly Clark
answered on Sep 4, 2024

I suggest you exercise your right to remain silent if you stole the dog. If you think returning the dog would cause too many questions, you could have someone you trust return the dog for you without making any statements. The dog owner will likely be grateful for the return of the dog. If you... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Louisiana on
Q: Is it illegal to take a mistreated dog from the road?

I pass by this dog everyday and it’s constantly about to be hit on the highway. The people who used to live there (they no longer do as far as I know) always had new dogs that repeatedly got hit. 2/3 dogs were hit and the 3rd is an older dog. She knows to stay out of the road and is always... View More

Douglas Lee Bryan
Douglas Lee Bryan
answered on Sep 1, 2024

If the dog doesn't have a tag or other indicator that it belongs to someone, you are safe in assuming it is a stray and keep it. Similarly, if someone observes an animal being abused, neglected or being subjected to circumstances that cause you to fear for its safety, Louisiana has a law in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Texas on
Q: Can I sue a dog seller for not making sure the animal was delivered to me?
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Aug 28, 2024

It depends on the terms of your agreement. Most sale transactions of this type are very simple. The Buyer chooses a dog from the Seller, pays the Seller, and leaves with the dog (and any paperwork).

When "delivery" is involved, a Seller may satisfy its duty by delivering a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Animal / Dog Law and Landlord - Tenant for Louisiana on
Q: A Pitt bull mauled me at a rental house that knew tenent had a Pitt bull tied in backyard. No fence only change.

Ok I got a lawsuit on owner of property. They have a 300.000 policy. The owner of dog got evicted and has vanished. Louisiana st . Property owner knew about Pitt and did nothing. Tenant was there 4 years . Severe attack. Anyone else dog broke chain I fought him off of me. With lots of wounds. He... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Aug 26, 2024

It sounds like you believe you have a lawsuit but you need to attorney----if so, please use the Justia Find a Lawyer tab and search for accident/injury lawyers in your area----most lawyers in this area of practice will provide a free first consult so I recommend that you set up meetings with as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Animal / Dog Law for Texas on
Q: Does something signed on my behalf while I was a minor effectively become mine when I turn 18?

My parents purachsed a horse for me when I was a child. Even though the horse is in my name, do I own it now that I am an adult, or do they since they signed on my behalf?

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Aug 16, 2024

Texas does not generally prohibit minors from owning property. There are certain specific things (tobacco, alcohol, etc.) that a minor is prohibited from buying and owning, but a horse is not one of those things.

The horse has been yours since it was purchased for you in your name.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Minnesota on
Q: Our family dog was kill by two pitbull. The family want to file a lawsuit against the 2 pitbull onwer.
Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Aug 15, 2024

What a horrible thing. The owners should be liable your loss. I hope law enforcement and animal control have been involved. Unfortunately, your claim may be limited to monetary damages (s.) Conciliation court is probably the correct court.

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