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Oregon Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
Q: What are my rights to keep my puppy after breaking up with my partner?
My ex-partner and I got two puppies together. We agreed that if anything were to happen between us, I would keep my puppy. I handled all the grooming and vet visits for both puppies. When we broke up, I took my puppy, and the police were present. Now, my ex-partner demands that I either pay him... View More 
Jina Ly Clark
answered on Jun 21, 2025
answered on Jun 21, 2025
If you have documentation in writing, even if it is via text, that you would get the puppy in the event of a breakup, then you have a good argument that the puppy is yours.
Options:
* You could forward the text messages showing there was an agreement you would keep your puppy to... View More
Q: Steps to pursue compensation after my son was bitten by a pitbull?
My son was bitten by a pitbull. The incident was reported to the authorities, and he received immediate medical treatment. We also know the owner of the pitbull and where the dog resides. What steps do I need to take to pursue compensation in this situation?
Jina Ly Clark
answered on Feb 15, 2025
answered on Feb 15, 2025
More information is needed to establish if there is liability. If the dog was off leash there is liability in most counties. See if you can find out from animal control if the dog has attacked anyone before. If the dog previously attacked someone there would be liability in all counties.... View More
Q: Steps to pursue compensation after my son was bitten by a pitbull?
My son was bitten by a pitbull. The incident was reported to the authorities, and he received immediate medical treatment. We also know the owner of the pitbull and where the dog resides. What steps do I need to take to pursue compensation in this situation?
Brad Holbrook
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answered on Feb 15, 2025
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answered on Feb 15, 2025
What steps should you take after a dog bites your son? I am going to assume that your son is a minor. If your son is over 18, then he would represent himself. You need to contact an attorney who specializes in dog bite cases. This is the short answer. You should not try to represent yourself in a... View More
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
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answered on Oct 7, 2024
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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... View More
Q: If you return a stolen dog in oregon can you still be charged
Gregory L Abbott
answered on Sep 4, 2024
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.
Q: If you return a stolen dog in oregon can you still be charged
Jina Ly Clark
answered on Sep 4, 2024
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
Q: Im desperately looking for help for I believe wrongful determining my dog as viscous in court that was had without me
He's not at all or mean. He's too playful if anything and gets too excited mildly hurting a child and they're trying to take him from me I am disabled
Gregory L Abbott
answered on Jun 18, 2024
answered on Jun 18, 2024
You don't say where or what specifically was determined or what entity determined it. Generally though the time to get help is before a court hearing, not after. You admit a child was injured by the dog. Without a good reason, that alone may be sufficient to classify it as being dangerous.
Q: i live in oregon, with other people and the owners dog is vicious and attacks my dog, i dont know what to do
this dog has bitten a kid in the past and is vicious all the time
Jina Ly Clark
answered on Jan 28, 2024
answered on Jan 28, 2024
Make a complaint to your local animal control. Find out if the dog owner is a homeowner or has renter's insurance. You are entitled to be reimbursed for any vet bills the vicious dog causes to your dog. If a human is attacked, the human is entitled to non-economic damages for pain,... View More
Q: Which part of a partially signed animal guardianship contract is valid?
In Oregon, if a new guardian led the original guardian to believe they signed the full contract for animal guardianship, but only the addendum section was signed (which references the rest of the contract), what portion is valid? The contract terms include default ownership, breeding rights, and... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 3, 2025
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answered on Nov 3, 2025
In Oregon, a contract’s enforceability depends on whether there was a “meeting of the minds” and mutual consent to the essential terms. If only the addendum was signed but it explicitly references the rest of the agreement, the addendum may still bind the parties to the terms it... View More
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Animal / Dog Law, Contracts, Libel & Slander, Intellectual Property and Personal Injury
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Q: How can I reclaim my dog and address unauthorized breeding in Oregon?
I am seeking legal advice regarding a dispute involving a dog I placed with a guardian in North Carolina. The dog, now under the care of a boarder in Ohio, was bred at 18 months—an age not contractually agreed upon with the guardian, and without my consent. The boarder is refusing to return the... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 2, 2025
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answered on Nov 2, 2025
Start by asserting ownership in writing and demanding immediate return of the dog, citing your guardian agreement and attaching proof of title (microchip registration, purchase records, veterinary records, registry papers) and a clean chain of custody. State that no rehoming occurred, revoke any... View More
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Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights, Employment Law and Personal Injury
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Q: How can I advocate for myself and protect my rights in a crisis situation with RH Community Builders and Behavioral Health without an attorney?
I find myself in an escalating crisis situation involving RH Community Builders and Behavioral Health, where misunderstanding and miscommunication have contributed to severe personal distress. My belongings are improperly stored, and there are false claims involving my dog. Additionally, my trust... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 25, 2025
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answered on Oct 25, 2025
You are doing the right thing by wanting to protect your rights while also keeping the situation calm and constructive. When you feel that agencies like RH Community Builders or Behavioral Health have misunderstood you, start by documenting everything. Write down dates, names, and what was said or... View More
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Landlord - Tenant, Animal / Dog Law, Consumer Law, Contracts and Real Estate Law
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Q: Can landlord's access rights nullify pet confinement rights?
My rental agreement in Oregon permits the landlord access to the backyard without notice at reasonable times and with reasonable frequency. We also have a pet addendum that allows us to confine our dog in the backyard, though not to house her there—she sleeps inside and stays indoors with us when... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 23, 2025
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answered on Oct 23, 2025
Your landlord’s access clause does not erase your negotiated right to confine your dog in the backyard under the pet addendum; the two terms must be read together. Oregon law allows no‑notice entry into exterior areas only for narrow purposes—such as yard work required by a written agreement,... View More
Q: Actions to take if a dog is euthanized without notice in Coos Bay
My friend's dog jumped out of her car's back window while driving in Coos Bay, and she later learned from the police that the dog was taken to the pound. Upon arrival, she was informed by a sheriff that the dog was euthanized, even though it hadn't bitten anyone and was only scared.... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 12, 2025
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answered on Sep 12, 2025
You should first request all records related to the dog’s impoundment and euthanasia from the Coos Bay pound and the local sheriff’s office. This includes intake forms, any veterinarian notes, and documentation of the decision-making process. Having these records will clarify why the dog was... View More
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Landlord - Tenant, Consumer Law, Public Benefits, Animal / Dog Law and Real Estate Law
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Q: Contesting eviction noncompliance claim in OR due to late rent payment after notifying landlord.
I am contesting a claim of noncompliance with a stipulated agreement for eviction in Oregon. The landlord claims I didn't comply with the condition to pay rent on time for May, June, and July. I was late with July's rent due to an emergency involving my support animal and unexpectedly... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 12, 2025
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answered on Sep 12, 2025
You have several potential defenses to contest the noncompliance claim. First, you can argue that you communicated your emergency and delay in writing, and the apartment manager acknowledged it, which could demonstrate that you acted in good faith and were not willfully failing to comply. The... View More
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Landlord - Tenant, Animal / Dog Law, Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law
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Q: Legal options for dealing with neighbor's disruptive display and management's unequal enforcement in apartment complex.
What are my legal options for addressing a situation with my downstairs neighbor who has displayed a note near our main entrance? My dog had pottied on my balcony, which I have since addressed by keeping her inside. However, over a week later, the neighbor's bucket and note, which says... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 30, 2025
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answered on Aug 30, 2025
You’ve taken an important first step by documenting the situation with photos and correspondence. Since the neighbor’s note and bucket are creating a public display that singles you out, it could be considered harassment or an unreasonable nuisance, especially since you already addressed the... View More
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Landlord - Tenant, Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights and Real Estate Law
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Q: Can my landlord request ESA photos and vaccination records in Oregon?
In Oregon, my landlord, during an existing tenancy, has requested photos and vaccination records of my newly moved-in emotional support animal (ESA). They have not provided a reason for this request. I have already submitted the necessary medical documentation from my therapist. Is my landlord... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 28, 2025
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answered on Aug 28, 2025
In Oregon, once you’ve provided valid documentation from a licensed mental health provider confirming your emotional support animal, your landlord generally cannot demand extra paperwork that isn’t directly related to health or safety. Federal housing laws require landlords to make reasonable... View More
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Landlord - Tenant, Environmental, Animal / Dog Law and Real Estate Law
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Q: Is it legal for apartments to spray pesticides in common areas without warning in Oregon?
I am renting an apartment where pesticide spraying occurs once a week in the common areas, specifically the parking lot and sidewalk, without any warnings, schedules, or signs. I regularly walk my dog in these areas and am concerned about the lack of communication regarding pesticide use. Is this... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2025
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answered on Apr 16, 2025
Oregon law broadly preempts any local limits on pesticide use citeturn2search2, so licensed applicators may treat private common areas like parking lots or sidewalks without a municipal permit or tenant notice requirement. The State’s pesticide‑control rules categorise those spaces as... View More
Q: Is landlord's extended inspection schedule reasonable in Oregon with blind senior dogs?
I live in Oregon, but outside of Portland city limits. I received a notice from my landlord about routine apartment inspections scheduled for Monday to Friday last week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and another notice for this week. They haven't communicated directly with me regarding the... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
In Oregon, landlords are allowed to enter your rental property for inspections, but they must provide you with reasonable notice, typically 24 hours in advance. However, the timing and duration of the inspections should also be reasonable, taking into account your personal circumstances. With... View More
Q: Would there be any consequences if I accidentally wrongfully suspect someone of stealing my cat and got police involved
My cat went missing after I moved back to my dad's house. I know you're supposed to keep cats indoors for a couple weeks after moving so they have time to process what's going on, but he got out prematurely and never came back. Knowing how smart and nervous he is I believe he... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 11, 2024
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answered on Sep 11, 2024
If you wrongfully accuse someone of stealing your cat and involve the police, there could be some consequences, especially if the accusation turns out to be unfounded. If you genuinely believe someone has your cat, you can report it, but it's important to present your concerns carefully,... View More
Q: Brother in law(Army) is deploying, and wants sister (my wife) and I to custodian the rental house. Can she keep her ESA?
The emotional support animal is a smaller indoor only cat, and we are not on the lease yet. (So we are technically not tenants, but will be transitioning into tenants if possible.) She has paperwork from Georgia supporting her claim, but had not renewed the claim in the state of Oregon until today.... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 18, 2024
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answered on Jul 18, 2024
You have a few options to consider regarding your sister's ESA cat. First, even though the lease specifies "No pets allowed at ANY time," emotional support animals (ESAs) are not considered pets under the Fair Housing Act. This federal law requires landlords to make reasonable... View More
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