Get free answers to your Animal / Dog Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I was bitten by a dog while delivering pizzas tonight on the owner's property, where I had permission to be. There were no signs warning about the dog, and I have already reported the incident to my employer but not to the police. I have not spoken to the dog owner yet. What steps should I... View More 
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answered on May 29, 2025
Hi there—first, I’m so sorry this happened to you. You were just doing your job, and being bitten like that is not only physically painful but also upsetting. It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed right now, so here’s a calm, step-by-step guide on what to do next:
1.... View More
I have been caring for a dog for several years. Recently, I was informed that there is a breach of contract between the former owner and the breeder. Despite this, I am being asked to return the dog to the original owner. Can I legally request to see the contract that is being mentioned as proof of... View More
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answered on May 14, 2025
You're absolutely within your rights to ask to see the contract that is being used as the basis for demanding the dog's return. If someone is claiming that a legal agreement exists which affects your ability to keep the dog, you have a fair interest in reviewing that document—especially... View More
Can I sue my neighbor for Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED) due to persistent harassment? My neighbors have repeatedly called the police on me without proof while I was recording my property from inside my home for my safety. Despite showing police video evidence of their... View More
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answered on May 14, 2025
Yes, you may have grounds to sue for Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED), especially if the harassment has been ongoing, deliberate, and extreme enough to cause serious emotional harm. To succeed in this kind of claim, you typically need to show that your neighbor’s behavior was... View More
I've been taking care of a dog given to me by a homeless woman for the past month. She gave me the dog with the understanding that I'd keep him until she found a place. There was no written or verbal agreement beyond this, and the dog has significantly improved in health and happiness... View More
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answered on Apr 14, 2025
It sounds like you’ve developed a strong bond with the dog and have been providing a loving home. Legally, ownership of a pet can be a tricky issue if there was no formal written agreement at the time the dog was given to you. Since the homeless woman gave you the dog with the understanding that... View More
I have two esa (dogs) at my aprt complex. I’ve never had a problem with them. I also walk my neighbors dog, I’ll call him “Wally”. Wally is legally on her lease. The problem is, Wally has nipped at an apartment employee before, with a different walker. The incident was reported and is now... View More
answered on Jan 22, 2022
It’s not possible to answer your question definitively without knowing what the pet provisions say in your lease. I suppose it’s possible that it could provide that a tenant who acts negligently when walkia dog” could be bYour arguments are logical and sound, but that doesn’t mean your... View More
I can’t tell my family because I’m so scared. I don’t want to get on legal trouble or have the family sue me even though it was an accident. Can the cop show up at my house?
answered on Jan 13, 2022
If the dog was on the roadway you will be OK. It's the owner's responsibility to care for their dog. If your car was damaged you can make a claim against the owner of the dog.
He is microchipped and when he was found i wasnt contacted they tried to take the dog home and my mother refused to let it on the property. So the cops took my dog and now refuse to tell me where he is will not give him back or anything i was not part of the animal cruelty as i had no idea he was... View More
answered on Aug 20, 2021
Contact the animal rescue league or any similar group in your county and see if they can intervene or help. Not sure why the police won't tell you where the dog is. Try the DA's office Victim Assistance Coordinator.
I adopted a dog about 5 weeks ago from ACCT Philly. I was told he was 4 years old. I took him to the vet and the vet told me he is a senior dog (at least 8-10 years old). The shelter told his health is remarkable besides some abnormalities in his blood work from malnutrition. This has since been... View More
answered on Jul 1, 2021
Tell the shelter you want to return the dog, it was grossly different from what you were told was likely to be the case. But I don't see you being able to keep the dog and charge them the bills.
I was recently offered a job opportunity to be a K9 handler for airport security. I would be provided with paid training, as well as a trained dog that I would have to have live with me. My landlord has our pet limit to one dog and one cat, which we already have. If I take the job, does the fact... View More
answered on Jul 1, 2021
First off, service animals have to be certified. Short answer is no. One dog means one dog. Look for a new place or see if someone will take your dog.
answered on Jun 17, 2021
I am sorry to hear that. However I don't see any facts or a question.
answered on Jun 11, 2021
See what your lease says about changes. If your lease expired and you are on month to month, he can say they can't be at the property the following month. Under no circumstances hand him the lease--always hand people copies of documents, you retain the original.
The other option is... View More
Adults and kids keep entering my yard, either by jumping the fence or by entering the gates, without my permission and despite me telling them several times to stop doing it. I am worried that my dog will, at some point, take issue with strangers coming into the yard. I have me telling them on... View More
answered on Jun 4, 2021
If they are bitten within the confines of your yard, then that is on them. I suggest a couple of no trespassing signs and beware of dog sigsns.
A neighbor continuously throws bones, grapes, and other harmful foods on the sidewalk. She’s been caught in the act and confronted so we know this is not by accident. She refuses to stop and local officials are not much help. She has a “no pooping” sign on her lawn so I am wondering if this... View More
answered on May 25, 2021
I don't see it --the dog walker /owner is responsible for their dog. Someone isn't minding the dog eating the trash. If she puts it on your property, that's different.
You could sue her for maintaining a nuissance but that is very, very expensive. And it won't get your vet bills paid.
I purchase a dog from a lancasterpuppies breeder, my puppy died within 2 weeks and she was euthanized for a sum of $1500. Is the breeder liable for the $1500 as well as my refund for my puppy? I have looked at the laws and I can't find anything specifically that says they are liable.
answered on Feb 28, 2021
Did the breeder have some type of money back guarantee? Do you know what the puppy died of? Unless you know the cause of death, you can't say it was their problem. If the vet can give you a cause of death, and says it likely was present when the breeder sold you the pup, you can then make a... View More
For 4 months my next door neighbor has been letting their dog poop all over the neighborhood, my yard, neighbors yards and the street. I’ve seen this happen several times and have cleaned up about 50-60 piles in the last 4 month in my yard and the street in front of my driveway and mailbox. What... View More
answered on Feb 28, 2021
As they are a neighbor, you need to have some tact but certainly it's obnoxious, and if speaking with them does no good you can talk to your town or borough code enforcement officer.
I asked my neighbor twice now to not come into my yard with his dog and he is still doing it. What can I do? I have no trespassing signs posted in my yard and his dog has even peed on those! He will walk his dog all in my yard and let’s him pee on everything even my car and where I grow vegetables.
answered on Feb 23, 2021
Well, you can call the police. I'd first ask him why he's doing this. Repeatedly. AFter all you have him as your neighbor so you have to live with him nearby.
I live in lower macungie where you sitting on Lehigh valley just west of Allentown
answered on Feb 23, 2021
If you don't make a big deal about it it won't be a problem.
Into treatment. When I was in recovery house , he moved to another state. Now I want my dog back do I have rights?
answered on Feb 23, 2021
You may, but it will cost you likely more than the cost of getting a new dog and shots.
They have THOUSANDS of my own personal savings that they have told me is completely 100% refundable. Not only that, but they have my baby puppy. I’ve been uninformed throughout this whole thing about anything and I just want my puppy and money. This whole thing is making me physically sick.
answered on Feb 23, 2021
Contact your local Animal Rescue League. Contact any national office. Contact your DA and the Consumer protection Division of the AG's Office in Harrisburg.
Send a demand letter to the group. If you call my office I will tell you what to do.
All the best.
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