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Indiana Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for Indiana on
Q: My v son had his dog on the front lawn while doing chores the dog a pit bull mix 10 yeas old and on a chain wandered to

See what the neighborder was doing..he niped her ankle, she called the police for the scratch. My son went to court then got insurance and made sure the dog was registered and that was that..now 7 mo later I get a letter from an attorney wanting my homeowners..what can I do. Not my dog, my sons my... View More

Chase T Wilson
Chase T Wilson
answered on Dec 21, 2017

If your son lives with you your homeowner's will probably also cover his negligence. The best course of action here is to turn the matter over to your homeowner's. They are required to represent you in any legal matter where you may have exposure.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for Indiana on
Q: I have no trespassing signs on all 4 sides of my house. If my dog bites a civillan while tresspassing am i liable?

Bad neighborhood. My front yard has a 2 foot stone wall. The back has a 6 foot wooden fence. And the rest of my property boarder is marked with 1ftx8inch paving stones. No trespassing signs on all four sides of property (cover each gate and main entry point). My dogs lead will reach out into the... View More

Chase T Wilson
Chase T Wilson
answered on Oct 24, 2017

It's possible. Your best bet is to report this to your Home Owner's Insurance and let them take care of it.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Personal Injury, Animal / Dog Law and Landlord - Tenant for Indiana on
Q: Did I have the right as his girlfriend of almost 2 years to have asked this girl to go. Even though my name is not on

The lease. She verbally attacked me in the home and he knew she had been texting me constantly and threatened me as well. Yet he knowingly brought her here to cause harm?plus dogs were inside during this

Chase T Wilson
Chase T Wilson
answered on Oct 24, 2017

If you aren't on the lease you have no legal rights to demand anyone leave the premises, only the person leasing the property does.

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Animal / Dog Law for Indiana on
Q: My neighbor's 5 dogs charged me and attacked my 2 dogs on my property 4 times; reported to sheriff. What else can I do?

She has been issued 3 citations. My dogs have been seriously injured. I'm afraid of being attacked. Can I have the dogs removed? Can I sue? What recourse do I have?

Chase T Wilson
Chase T Wilson
answered on Oct 24, 2017

Report them to animal control, file a complaint against your neighbor's homeowner's insurance for the injuries to the dogs, and call the police again if this continues to happen.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Indiana on
Q: A guy purposely hit my cat. What can I do?

My cat was on the very end of the side of the road. My neighbor sped up and he went to the furthest right and purposely hit my cat , then took off and parked his truck in the garage! What can I do? There were 4 witnesses

Alexander Florian Steciuch
Alexander Florian Steciuch
answered on Aug 12, 2017

File a police report for animal cruelty. Provide his details to the police and name your witnesses. If you want to recover for damages done to your cat for vet bills, you can pursue him civilly.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Indiana on
Q: what kind of proof can I take to court showing I no longer own a dog that I had?

In February my dog went lose & animal control got him after I got him out I had a court date for July. I no longer have the dog but the court wants proof. What kind of proof do I show I no longer have him?

Alexander Florian Steciuch
Alexander Florian Steciuch
answered on Jul 25, 2017

If you need to prove that you no longer own the dog then you are going to have to show evidence of what happened to him. If you had the dog put down, a vet report and bill would show that, or the dog's medical records. If you sold the dog, show a receipt of sale. If you gave the dog to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Indiana on
Q: what all can I ask for in a small claim lawsuit when a dog has killed our flock of chickens?

A neighbor dog came onto our property, damaged the fence to our chicken run and killed 12 out of 13 chickens. We raised most of these from chicks and has taken 9 months to get established enough to sell eggs. We literally just started selling eggs, being my 9 year old daughters... View More

Alexander Florian Steciuch
Alexander Florian Steciuch
answered on Jul 17, 2017

I'm sorry for your loss.

You can ask the small claims court for up to whatever the limit is in your area. Justia has you tagged as 'Indianapolis.' If you are suing in Marion County I believe the limit is $8,000. Everywhere else in Indiana it is usually $6,000.

From...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Indiana on
Q: I bought a puppy for my 8 and 7 yr olds from a indiana breeder akc/ckc registered after three days the puppy looked took

him to the vet diagnosis was parvo we let the vet keep him he has been there 4 days do I have any legal action with the breeder for the Vet bills or if he dies legal action to for vet bills plus money we paid for the puppy. We are trying to give him the best chance to pull through this due to my 8... View More

Alexander Florian Steciuch
Alexander Florian Steciuch
answered on Jul 17, 2017

You can always bring a claim. The question is whether or not you'd be successful. If you bought an animal and it came down with a sickness a few days later like it did here you may have a strong claim against the seller. However, the seller may have had you sign documentation that the animal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Animal / Dog Law for Indiana on
Q: What if a female and her pups are brought to my property and then not taken care of. What are my rights?

I was asked if someone could bring their mom and pups out temporarily and put them in my garage. I noticed no one had been out to feed or water them or let them out. I went in garage and found starved puppies living in their own feces. I have asked the owners to come get them and clean my garage.... View More

Chase T Wilson
Chase T Wilson
answered on Jun 19, 2017

This isn't a personal injury question, but you have a few options. You can 1) Take care of the dogs or 2) Call the Indy Humane Society and have them come get them, their number for Indianapolis is (317) 872-5650. If you do neither you could possible be charged with animal neglect or cruelty.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Municipal Law for Indiana on
Q: If I own my home can the town I live in make me pay a yearly fee for owning a dog?
Alexander Florian Steciuch
Alexander Florian Steciuch
answered on May 25, 2017

A local government can require animal owners to register their animals with the local government and a fee can be charged in relation to registration.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Indiana on
Q: my roommates left my house a month ago and they abandoned their dogs how long do they have to come reclaim them?

i just recently revived a message on facebook telling me to "do as i wish with them" does that relinquish their rights?

Alexander Florian Steciuch
Alexander Florian Steciuch
answered on May 18, 2017

There is not set time for when property becomes abandoned. Whether or not property is truly abandoned is determined by the intent and actions of the owner. In this case it sounds like your former roommate has told you that they do not care what happens to the dogs and that you can do whatever you... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Wrongful Death for Indiana on
Q: Is it legal in the state of indiana to shoot a dog just because you find the barking annoying? What can I do to help?

I know someone who has a dog and she let her roommates shoot him just because they found him annoying. They shot him in the face with a shot gun. He has never bit anyone or hurt a fly. I want justice for this dog what can I do.

Charles Candiano
Charles Candiano
answered on May 16, 2017

Report these people to the local police ASAP. YOU cannot do anything but report it to the police. The POLICE can and should charge the shooter AND the owner with Animal Cruelty under § 35-46-3-12. The penalty is up to one year in jail UNLESS the animal dies, then it is a FELONY with up to three... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for Indiana on
Q: If my dog bites someone in my home can the person sue me?
Alexander Florian Steciuch
Alexander Florian Steciuch
answered on Apr 12, 2017

Anyone can sue you. The question is whether or not they would have a solid basis for a claim. Yes, a person would have a claim if your dog bit them and caused them injury, no matter where it happened.

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Indiana on
Q: Previous owner is asking for dog back.

I previously worked at a dog boarding facility. A dog was left for weeks, and his owner eventually came back saying that she could not afford to pay the bill that had accrued, and she did not have a place to live to take him home to. My manager came to an agreement with her that if the dog came... View More

Alexander Florian Steciuch
Alexander Florian Steciuch
answered on Apr 9, 2017

This is an interesting dilemma. On the one hand, you have put countless resources, time and effort into the dog. On the other hand, you never explicitly told this woman that you were taking ownership of the dog and she clearly did abandon her dog or relinquish ownership of the dog, only possession.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Animal / Dog Law and Civil Litigation for Indiana on
Q: City declared neighbor dog vicious and dangerous after biting me and my son and he won't contain it per ordinance reqs

The dog can fit through our fence and the city has issued multiple tickets and taken him to court twice now since declaring it vicious and dangerous. It's a poodle and my neighbor thinks it isn't a big deal. The fact that my son is disabled and can't protect himself really makes this... View More

Alexander Florian Steciuch
Alexander Florian Steciuch
answered on Apr 5, 2017

If you and your son have been bitten by the same dog more than once I'm confused as to why the dog has not been seized by the city and put down, especially if it has been deemed vicious and dangerous.

Did your neighbor pay for your family's medical bills after you were bitten? The...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Indiana on
Q: My neighbors dog is attacking my chickens. What can I do?

The dog has attacked my chickens. She comes to my property, my chickens are free range but stay on our property. The neighbor has an electric fence for her dogs but refused to put the collar on this particular dog. I have confronted her and explained the situation. She said she'd take care of... View More

Alexander Florian Steciuch
Alexander Florian Steciuch
answered on Mar 29, 2017

If the dog is entering your property call the the local non emergency police number next time it happens and tell them that your neighbor's dog is running your property aggressively and attacking your animals. If the dog injures or kills one of your chickens, submit your neighbor with a bill... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Litigation and Mergers & Acquisitions for Indiana on
Q: I have three little dogs, both females are pregnant and due really soon. This was not planned being evicted over lies

And this girl that had been harassing me through texts was brought to the house. Me and boyfriend were talking an she kept butting in. I asked her to go. Trying to keep peace. He did not back me. When she attacked me verbally I defended myself by pushing her away. She shoved me really hard into a... View More

Alexander Florian Steciuch
Alexander Florian Steciuch
answered on Mar 24, 2017

What is your question?

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Indiana on
Q: My wife and I purchase the dog together. But her name is on the paperwork. I have been the one she is with. Whos dog?

She left the dog with me period I'm still taking care of her. Who's dog is she now? We are going to go through a divorce. I know they're treated as property. I just want to know if because her name is on the paperwork, she can come take the dog from me. I have cared for her taking... View More

Alexander Florian Steciuch
Alexander Florian Steciuch
answered on Mar 19, 2017

I'm so sorry for this situation you find yourself in. Most likely if the original purchase of the dog is in your wife's name, then the dog is hers. However, there may be some hope for you in this situation.

Ignore her claims that you stole the dog. If she calls the police and...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Indiana on
Q: Can I get my dog back even tho I dont have papers or anything on her yet?

A person I know said they would keep my dog for a little while for me. Now I want her back and they won't let me have her. I hadn't gotten her registered yet tho, so I have no papers or anything stating she's mine. They took her to the vet and the vet told them they wouldn't... View More

Alexander Florian Steciuch
Alexander Florian Steciuch
answered on Mar 3, 2017

Yes, there is still a chance for you to get your dog back. I would suggest contacting the police and filing a report with them. They may be able to assist you. However, if the police decide to stay out of it you will have to contact an attorney to assist you in this situation. When you find an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Indiana on
Q: My neighbors let their dogs wander around wherever they want

My neighbors let their dogs wander around wherever they want and I frequently have to slam on my breaks or swerve to avoid hitting them when they wander into the road. I'm afraid someone is going to hit them some day. What can I do? They also look underfed to me but that is just speculation.

Alexander Florian Steciuch
Alexander Florian Steciuch
answered on Mar 3, 2017

What do you want to have happen? It sounds like you want to have the neighbors pen in their animals and treat them well. There is not much from a legal standpoint that you can do however. If the dogs are trespassing onto your property or are destroying your property you can bring a lawsuit against... View More

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