Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Animal / Dog Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
California Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
5 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for California on
Q: I was bitten by a dog 2 months ago on the wrist while house sitting and I have a referral to see a hand surgeon in June,

I was bitten on the wrist by a dog I was house sitting about 2 months ago, and it seems to have affected my tendons. The dog has a past history of biting, the owner's homeowner's insurance just paid out some money to a lady the same dog bit 6 months ago.

I also know that the... View More

Haleh Shekarchian
PREMIUM
Haleh Shekarchian
answered on Dec 1, 2024

You can get money for your medical bills, loss of earrings, pain and suffering etc from his homeowners insurance. Contact any one of us on Justia and we can refer you to an Orthopedic hand specialist who would see you on a lien basis. This means he will wait to get paid at the end when the case... View More

View More Answers

5 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for California on
Q: I was bitten by a dog 2 months ago on the wrist while house sitting and I have a referral to see a hand surgeon in June,

I was bitten on the wrist by a dog I was house sitting about 2 months ago, and it seems to have affected my tendons. The dog has a past history of biting, the owner's homeowner's insurance just paid out some money to a lady the same dog bit 6 months ago.

I also know that the... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Dec 1, 2024

You have a case. Contact one of us on Justia or another personal injury attorney to discuss. This will involve making a claim against the homeowner's insurance company. You will likely be referred to a hand surgeon who will evaluate you on a lien, meaning s/he gets paid out of the future... View More

View More Answers

5 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for California on
Q: I was bitten by a dog 2 months ago on the wrist while house sitting and I have a referral to see a hand surgeon in June,

I was bitten on the wrist by a dog I was house sitting about 2 months ago, and it seems to have affected my tendons. The dog has a past history of biting, the owner's homeowner's insurance just paid out some money to a lady the same dog bit 6 months ago.

I also know that the... View More

James Clifton
PREMIUM
James Clifton
answered on Dec 2, 2024

Under the state's strict liability law for dog bites, where the dog owner is liable if their dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully on private property, like during house sitting, you have a very high likelihood of success in your claim. The dog's history of biting strengthens... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: Can we sue a veterinary clinic in another state (FL) for malpractice without a veterinarian letter claiming malpractice

We had a dog spayed in FL which had complications totally $15K. We've been unsuccessful in obtaining getting the surgeon to response back with a letter of malpractice against the veterinarn clinic in FL.

William John Light
William John Light
answered on Nov 24, 2024

You can sue, but you will lose. Complications are a normal part of surgeries, whether on humans or animals. In order for the veterinarian to be liable for the complications, you have to show that s/he did something negligent, or below the standard of care. If you can't show that with... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for California on
Q: Who is responsible for damages for my dog bite?

I was walking my pug dog on a leash on a sidewalk. As I passed a house a pit bull mixed dog came from behind an open gate toward me. I picked up my dog to protect it and the other dog bit me on my hand. causing serious injuries. The owner of the dog came out from the house, provided proof of rabies... View More

Jamil Shaaban
Jamil Shaaban
answered on Aug 15, 2024

Generally, a landlord is not automatically liable for injuries their tenant's dog causes. However, they can face liability where: (1) they had actual knowledge of the dog's vicious tendencies; meaning they knew the dog was aggressive or had bitten someone before; and (2) they had the... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Consumer Law for California on
Q: Can my vet add to my invoice from something in 2020, 4 years ago and add interest fee and late charges all in one day.

So this is the place I use to work at I left on good terms. My cat passed away 2 weeks ago I didn't have money to pay for his ashes I asked if it's okay to do payments I'll pay when I get paid next week, they said okay. So my other cat got sick me terrified that he has the same thing... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 3, 2024

This is a complex situation that raises several legal and ethical questions about veterinary billing practices. Here's a breakdown of the key issues:

1. Adding charges from 2020:

Generally, a business can bill for services rendered, even if there was an initial oversight....
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: Can CA court change terms of probation? Animal cruelty case- pled guilty - terms of probation did not ban ownership

Dogs were taken by animal control pending animal cruelty case. The dogs were released to family pending court outcome. Sentencing and probation complete which did not ban ownership or animals return. Animal control has not yet released my dogs. Can they go back to the court and ask them to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 12, 2024

In general, once a court has sentenced a defendant and imposed specific terms of probation, those terms cannot be easily changed or amended after the fact, especially if the case has been concluded. The court's decision is usually considered final once the sentencing is complete.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: Can CA court change the terms of informal probation? Animal cruelty case trying to get my dogs back

Court completed - probation terms did not specify that dogs could not be returned. Animal control has not released my dogs who are currently under my family members’ care. Can animal request for the courts to amend their decision?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 12, 2024

In California, the court has the authority to set and modify the terms of informal probation, also known as summary probation or court probation. However, once the court has issued its decision, it is not common for the terms to be changed unless there is a significant reason to do so.

If...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: Dogs seized by animal control (pled guilty to penal code 597a). When can i get my dogs back.

Dogs were seized 4mo ago. Pled guilty yesterday and agreed to 1yr probation, 80days work release, fines were waived. There was no mention in the terms of the probation or anything by the lawyers or judge barring me from having my dogs back. It is nowhere in my paperwork. Animal control allowed my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 7, 2024

In California, once you've pled guilty and been sentenced, the terms of probation and court orders are critical in determining whether you can have your dogs back. Since your probation terms and the court documents don't mention any restrictions on having your dogs, this is a positive... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: I live in an apartment in Milpitas and my landlord has alleged my dog attacked someone. Given 48 hour to remove pet.

What is my recourse? I obviously don't want to get rid of my pet. How do I fight this?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 4, 2024

Under California law, your landlord must provide evidence of the alleged attack before requiring you to remove your pet. It is essential to request any documentation or witness statements that support the claim. If your landlord cannot provide sufficient proof, you may have grounds to contest the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: In incident happened with my emotional support dog and security. Property mgr gave me notice to get rid of the dog. Then

A verbal statement saying dog could stay. Started procedures to have my 32 yr son to move in end of June. Now MGMT states he would have to be a live-in attendent but he wants to do other kind of work. Been having issues with MGMT since Jan. I feel like I am being harassed and my civil rights are... View More

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on Jun 1, 2024

Your LL is violating your rights as a physically disabled individual, particularly with respect to having a live in aide. The LL is not able to dictate the terms of your arrangement with the aide, nor can the LL prevent the aide from seeking additional employment for personal support. Thanks for... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: In incident happened with my emotional support dog and security. Property mgr gave me notice to get rid of the dog. Then

A verbal statement saying dog could stay. Started procedures to have my 32 yr son to move in end of June. Now MGMT states he would have to be a live-in attendent but he wants to do other kind of work. Been having issues with MGMT since Jan. I feel like I am being harassed and my civil rights are... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 30, 2024

Based on the information you provided, it seems like you may have a case for housing discrimination and violation of your rights under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and potentially the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Here are a few points to consider:

1. Emotional Support Animals...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: If an animal shelter has my dog and never contacted me but they said they did and I said to them i don't want her that's

Lying r and then when I called her microhip company four days after they been had her and still took a report so by my own they had her fours days they were going to put her asleep without even none of them trying to inform me at all

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 27, 2024

Under California law, animal shelters are required to make reasonable efforts to contact the owner of a lost pet before putting the animal up for adoption or euthanizing it. Here are a few key points related to your situation:

1. Holding period: California law requires shelters to hold...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Car Accidents and Wrongful Death for California on
Q: A train killed my dog. I live next to the train tracks. What can I do

I live in between businesses about 40 feet from the tracks. It was about 9:10 at night I got home for my lunch and let the dogs out to go potty. I went across the tracks to do so and on our walk back we crossed over them again and the train blew its horn maybe ten seconds after I crossed and hit my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 23, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear about the tragic loss of your dog. That must be devastating. While the train company is likely correct that they aren't liable if the dog was unleashed near the tracks on your property, you may still have some options to explore:

1. Check local leash laws and...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Car Accidents and Wrongful Death for California on
Q: A train killed my dog. I live next to the train tracks. What can I do

I live in between businesses about 40 feet from the tracks. It was about 9:10 at night I got home for my lunch and let the dogs out to go potty. I went across the tracks to do so and on our walk back we crossed over them again and the train blew its horn maybe ten seconds after I crossed and hit my... View More

William John Light
William John Light
answered on May 23, 2024

How did the train conductor do anything wrong? You had an obligation to have your dog on a leash. The train wasn't invisible, you should have seen it before the whistle blew and moved your dog, which should have been on a leash.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: Can police take your dogs if they're not in harm's Way and they're sitting in a vehicle

We were loading the truck and when we stopped to go in to use the restroom one of the dogs that was in the back ended up jumping out hanging itself and we had puppies in the cab part and the cops took the puppies even though none of the dogs were neglected or abused it was just an unfortunate... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 13, 2024

Under California law, police can take your dogs if they believe the animals are in immediate danger or if there is evidence of neglect or abuse. In your situation, even if the incident was an unfortunate accident, the police may have interpreted it as a sign that the animals were not safe in your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Our landlord is requesting a $500 immediate deposit for our service animal is she allowed to request a pet deposit at al

My husband is in the middle of training, a dog for his PTSD for a service animal. We have been bringing the dog to our home two days a week for the last two months and plan to tell our landlord next month that we were going to permanently bring her here when she turned one because they don’t... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 8, 2024

Under California law, landlords are not allowed to charge a pet deposit for a service animal, even if the animal is still in training. Service animals are not considered pets, and are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: Can I sue my landlord for not allowing my service animal to stay w/me .nor wants to make any spc.accommodations for me.

Nothing in my rental agreement says I can't have a dog or service animal. And he did evicted me for 4 days from the house for me bringing service dog. What court can I file against him ( federal, Superior,or civil courts .

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 6, 2024

In California, landlords are required to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities, including allowing service animals, even if the rental agreement or lease states a "no pets" policy. Denying a reasonable accommodation request, such as allowing a service animal, is a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Animal / Dog Law and Civil Rights for California on
Q: Can surveillance in a private area of my yard be admissible in court?

Neighbor recorded us on surveillance having a private conversation in an area of our yard not otherwise publicly visible. They did record my spouse hitting my dog and submitted that to animal control. My husband went to jail for 5 days, but they released him and did not charge him yet. The dogs... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 5, 2024

In California, the admissibility of surveillance footage from a private area of your yard depends on several factors and the specific circumstances of the case. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Reasonable expectation of privacy: If the area where the conversation took place was not...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: My dogs were taken by animal control for animal cruelty. They have not charged my spouse and I cant get them.

My husband pled guilty for hitting our dog. He went to jail for a week. Released bc they werent ready to formally charge him.The DA said the case is in review and he has not been charged. So in the meantime animal control agreed to let my in-laws care for the dogs. DA said they can have up to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 2, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your difficult situation. In California, animal control agencies have the authority to seize animals if they suspect animal cruelty or neglect, even if formal charges have not been filed. The process can be complex and may take time to resolve. Here are a few key... View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.