Get free answers to your Animal / Dog Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
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
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
I want to reclaim my cat, which was stolen by my ex-boyfriend in January during our breakup. Despite multiple attempts, he refuses to communicate with me. I originally found my cat at my workplace years before meeting him and have photographic proof and vet records to substantiate my ownership. The... View More
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answered on Jun 13, 2025
Losing your cat this way is heartbreaking, especially when you have clear proof that you’ve been the rightful caregiver since before the relationship. In North Carolina, since pets are legally treated as property, your best path forward is to file a claim in small claims court for the return of... View More
I am seeking legal assistance regarding a situation in Wilmington, NC, where my dog died due to negligence at a boarding facility. They left my dog outside for over six hours, causing extreme heat exhaustion. The employee responsible was fired, and the facility initially promised to cover my... View More
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answered on Jun 11, 2025
You can pursue both criminal and civil remedies to hold the boarding facility accountable and recoup your losses.
First, ask the Animal Control officer or the county prosecutor to file cruelty or neglect charges under North Carolina’s animal welfare statutes, since leaving a dog exposed... View More
I'm concerned about a potential lawsuit after my dog bit a delivery person on our property. The delivery person did not inform us of his presence, leading to the incident. We've offered to cover medical expenses and any lost wages, but he refused. The officers involved were informed of... View More
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answered on Jun 11, 2025
Yes, even though the delivery person refused your help, you can still be sued for the dog bite. In many states, dog owners are held liable if their dog bites someone—especially if the person was lawfully on the property, like a delivery worker. It doesn’t always matter if the dog has never... View More
In April 2025, during a mental health episode, I mistakenly relinquished my service animal to a nonprofit animal shelter. Shortly afterwards, I was hospitalized multiple times, received treatment, and have since recovered. After my recovery, I contacted the shelter to explain my mental health... View More
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answered on May 31, 2025
You are facing a deeply personal and distressing situation, and it’s understandable to feel that your unique circumstances deserved more consideration. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires organizations to provide reasonable modifications to policies and practices when necessary to... View More
In North Carolina, shooting guns in rural areas is legal even when surrounded by many horse farms where lessons and clinics occur. Despite many neighbors asking a tenant to cease their shooting due to distress caused to horses and pets, incidents like a rider falling off a horse have occurred.... View More
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answered on May 14, 2025
This is a tough situation where what's technically legal still creates real harm for people and animals in the area. In North Carolina, shooting firearms in rural areas is often allowed by local laws, but legal permission doesn’t automatically shield someone from civil liability. If their... 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 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
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 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
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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
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