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Pennsylvania Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for Pennsylvania on
Q: Bitten by a dog while delivering pizzas, what steps to take?

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

Emery Brett Ledger
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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....
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Contracts for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I request to see a contract alleged in a dog ownership dispute?

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

Q: Can I sue for IIED due to my neighbor's harassment?

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I legally keep a dog given to me by a homeless woman?

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Landlord - Tenant for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I lose my dog privileges at my aprt for walking my neighbors naughty dog that has a bite history? If he bites again?

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

Nellie T Schulz
Nellie T Schulz
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

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I accidentally hit a dog tonight. A police officer happened to be behind me and he stopped to help. Can I get in trouble

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?

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
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.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: my mother let my dog loose and is being charged with animal cruelty but the cops will not give my dog back

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

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
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.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Need help with a dog that I adopted about 5 weeks ago

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

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
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.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can my landlord kick me out for having a dog if the dog is for work?

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

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
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.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: dog got hit and killed
Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Jun 17, 2021

I am sorry to hear that. However I don't see any facts or a question.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: My lease states I can have my dogs. Now the landlord is saying they can't be at the property
Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is my dog protected if he goes after and/or bites my neighbors who keep jumping my fence?

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

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
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.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Is neighbor responsible for vet bills if dog eats trash thrown into the sidewalk?

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

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
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.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I purchase a dog from a lancasterpuppies breeder, my puppy died within 2 weeks and she was euthanized for a sum of $1500

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.

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
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

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: What can I do about my neighbor letting their dog poop all over the neighbor and not cleaning it up?

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

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
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.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: 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 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.

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
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.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can I bury my elderly dog who is 15 years old passed away peacefully in my own backyard

I live in lower macungie where you sitting on Lehigh valley just west of Allentown

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Feb 23, 2021

If you don't make a big deal about it it won't be a problem.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: I adopted a dog in 2012, I had personal troubles with drug addiction 2019 . Gave my friend my dog to watch while I went

Into treatment. When I was in recovery house , he moved to another state. Now I want my dog back do I have rights?

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Feb 23, 2021

You may, but it will cost you likely more than the cost of getting a new dog and shots.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Products Liability and Animal / Dog Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: What to do if your Pet Airline Delivery Service disconnected their phone line and is unresponsive to their emails?

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.

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
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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