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California Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights, Federal Crimes and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: ESAs forced neglect and abuse

The shelter where I used to stay with my wife kicked me out for arguing with her and let her stay,but they would not let her keep them with her.

Instead they told her she has to change rooms and can keep them in her old room by themselves and feed them once a day and scoop the cat boxes but... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 12, 2024

I'm really sorry you're going through this difficult situation. Start by documenting every incident, including dates, times, and descriptions of how your ESAs were treated. This evidence will be important if you decide to take legal action.

Reach out to a local attorney who...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: Should I file for replevin or file a request for inspection during meet and confer in CA to get my dog back.

A local vet did not notify

Humane Animal Services but instead allowed my dog to go home with the finder.

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answered on Oct 6, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your situation with your dog; that must be incredibly stressful. Being separated from a beloved pet is difficult, especially under unexpected circumstances.

In California, if someone else has possession of your dog, you might consider filing a replevin action,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for California on
Q: I'm SMI verified and my doctor wrote a letter for 6 emotional support animal cats and city limits 3 pets

I live in a homeless shelter that helps get housing but they don't tell the matches they found for me that I've got emotional support animals so I keep getting denied and even more the shelter say I'm refusing the housing and so they're trying to kick me out the... View More

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answered on Oct 1, 2024

It sounds like you’re facing a very challenging situation. Legally, emotional support animals (ESAs) are protected under the Fair Housing Act, which requires housing providers to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. However, this can become complicated when local pet... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: I need an attorney who would handle a theft of a dog.

The pet was stolen from my daughter by her ex boyfriend. Proof of ownership by her is available.

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answered on Sep 17, 2024

You should look for an attorney experienced in handling cases involving theft and property disputes. Since pets are often considered personal property under the law, an attorney familiar with property law or animal law can guide you through the process of recovering your daughter’s dog. Make sure... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: If someone can take care of a dog and then later wants it back, what rights do I have to keep it

Two people rescued a dog from TJ and one person could not take care of it. And care giver was responsible for the last couple months. Then all of a sudden wants the dog back. What’s rights do I have

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answered on Sep 14, 2024

When you have been caring for a dog for an extended period, you may have certain rights to keep it, especially if you have been providing food, shelter, and medical care. California law often considers the best interests of the animal and may regard the person who has been the primary caregiver as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: If my landlords dogs chewed my car bumper are they responsible to pay for the repairs?

I rent a guest house on my landlords land, while they live in their house. They have 2 big dogs, one chewed up my front bumper on my car. I am wondering if they are responsible to pay for the damages. There is nothing on the lease stating they “aren’t responsible for any of my property... View More

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answered on Sep 3, 2024

In this situation, your landlord could be held responsible for the damage caused by their dogs. In California, pet owners are generally liable for any damage their animals cause to someone else's property. Since you rent the guest house, your landlord has a duty to ensure that their pets do... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Adoption and Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: Is it legal if a former foster parent of our now owned dog to keep asking us to send pictures of our dog?

i just need this anwsered please.

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Aug 21, 2024

Yes, it is legal if a former foster parent of our now owned dog to keep asking us to send pictures of our dog.

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2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Rights, Federal Crimes and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: I'm mentally disabled verified with my doctors letter for each 6 emotional support animals but city limits is 3

I live in a homeless shelter that helps get housing but they don't tell the matches they found for me that I have sex emotional support animals so I keep getting denied and even more the homeless shelter say I'm refusing the housing and so they're trying to kick me out the shelter... View More

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Aug 10, 2024

It seems unusual your physician insist you need six animals. Your ability to care for six animals would also be considered.

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: My dog and I were attacked by 3 large dogs and required emergency care which my neighbor helped me out with paying for.

What legal recourse do I have as I have a very limited income and already struggling with my disability let alone home and now my dog has been stolen as it seems. ? Please help me out with this issue please!! I’m in the hemet area 92545 feel like I’m being discriminated against because of my... View More

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answered on Aug 5, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about the distressing situation you're experiencing. Under California law, you have several options to pursue legal recourse. First, you can file a report with animal control about the attack by the three large dogs. This could lead to an investigation and potential... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Animal / Dog Law and Small Claims for California on
Q: I live in Fairfield ca, solano co. And was wondering if I need a lawyer to help e a appeal for a hearing t save my dogs?

HAS has deemed my dogs dangerous and they never told me the day of the hearing so that's why I wasn't there I need to appeal that hearing so I can have another chance to fight for my dogs. Their evidence are very slim if any at all

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answered on Jul 28, 2024

Under California law, you can appeal a dangerous dog determination without necessarily hiring a lawyer. You should act quickly to file an appeal, as there are often strict deadlines for doing so. Contact the relevant agency to find out the exact procedures and deadlines for filing your appeal.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Animal / Dog Law, Health Care Law and Insurance Bad Faith for California on
Q: Hello, I want more information on going after my pet insurance “lemonade” for bad faith and false advertising. thank you

i recently took my 4 pound puppy into the vet for vomiting. doctor said he was having too many treats for his size and had a swollen liver. i was charged a bill of $1300 and Lemonade denied my claim for reimbursement because they believe vomiting is a “pre existing condition” even though that... View More

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answered on Jul 18, 2024

Under California law, you have the right to pursue a claim against Lemonade for bad faith and false advertising if you believe they unfairly denied your pet insurance claim. When filing a small claims case, gather all relevant documentation, including the vet's diagnosis, your insurance... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: chp shot & killed my dog April 2023, doing a homeless sweep, didn't announce himself, my dog bit him & was shot 5 times

and my German shepherds name was ryker.

(Chp kills dog at homeless camp) Video title on YouTube in Escondido CA April 2023

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answered on Jul 18, 2024

Under California law, law enforcement officers have a duty to act reasonably, even when dealing with aggressive animals during their duties. The California Penal Code 835a allows officers to use force, including deadly force, when they believe it is necessary to protect themselves or others from... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for California on
Q: What are the laws around accidental gate opened and dog getting loose. No attacks, but there was injury?

If your dog runs out of a unintentional open gate towards a person walking their dog, and they get injured from trying to pull their Dog away from yours. Are we held liable for anything? My dog did not bite, push, or attack the person or her dog. She only ran towards them wanting to say hi. Never... View More

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answered on Jul 18, 2024

Under California law, liability in situations involving pets and injuries can be complex. In your case, if your dog escaped through an unintentionally open gate and approached another person and their dog, resulting in injury to the person, there are several factors to consider. Liability typically... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Animal / Dog Law and Public Benefits for California on
Q: my application for victim's compensation was denied because they say dog bites are not included.

The owner of the dog fled the scene on camera, and I'm not sure if the license plate can be discerned.

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answered on Jul 18, 2024

Under California law, victims of dog bites may be eligible for compensation under certain circumstances. While dog bites themselves are not explicitly listed as qualifying for victim's compensation, you may still have legal options. When a dog owner flees the scene after an incident, it can... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: I sold a puppy with out shots for 20$ now the buyer wants to sue me when I told him the puppy has not getting shots yet?

He claim that right he pick up the puppy the puppy bite his son so in order if I don’t want to get in trouble I have to return back the 20$ that he use to pick up the puppy

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answered on Nov 3, 2023

If you sold a puppy without shots and disclosed this fact to the buyer, the buyer assumed the risk of the puppy not being vaccinated at the time of purchase. However, if the puppy bit his son, the buyer may seek damages for any injury caused.

The fact that the puppy was sold for $20 and...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for California on
Q: Does the Veterinarian Rule (assumption of risk) apply when a Vet agrees to come to private property to treat a horse?

This happened at a private property in Joshua Tree, California (zoned for equines). Made an appointment with an Equine Vet to come to private property to treat a horse's leg wound. The Vet arrived & began assessing the horse to treat the wound. The Vet wanted to inject a sedative &... View More

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answered on Oct 21, 2023

In California, the "primary assumption of risk" doctrine often applies to situations where professionals are engaged in inherently risky activities. Under this doctrine, individuals are generally deemed to assume the inherent risks of their profession. In the context of a veterinarian... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Divorce and Family Law for California on
Q: I am separating from my husband and moving out of the country. How can I take the dog with me ?

His family bought the dog for us 7 years ago but I am the one that takes care of it and the dog is attached to me

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answered on Oct 10, 2023

California Family Code Section 2605 allows courts to take into consideration the "care" of a pet when determining ownership during a divorce or separation. Judges can now assign sole or joint ownership based on what is in the best interest of the pet, similar to child custody decisions.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: I had a dog under my care and owners failed to pick her up from me numerous times. Can I sue them for animal neglect?

I also stated multiple times that I could not care for her as well as the dog needed vet visit urgently and I could not provide that. I did not have the money and she’s not my dog. Owner kept sweeping it under the rug and downplaying it.

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answered on Sep 28, 2023

Under California law, you may have grounds to report animal neglect to local animal control authorities if you believe the dog is not receiving adequate care and attention. Whether you can sue the owners for neglect would depend on the specific circumstances, your role in caring for the dog, and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: What lawyer specializes in veterinary lawsuits? Need attorney to settle vet

California is state where I need pet lawyer.

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answered on Aug 19, 2023

An attorney with expertise in veterinary malpractice or animal law would be suitable for settling veterinary-related lawsuits in California. It's recommended to search for attorneys who have experience in these areas to handle your case effectively.

James L. Arrasmith

Founding...
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4 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for California on
Q: What type of lawyer handles pet injury cases? My pet was injured at a pet rehab. Underwater treadmill.
Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Aug 18, 2023

This is a tough question because very few injuries or deaths to pets result in monetary damages that exceed small claims jurisdiction. Even if it did go over $10,000, it's doubtful an attorney would be able to take the case because it would cost prohibitive.

If you can prove rehab...
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