Get free answers to your Animal / Dog Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
2 weeks ago my aunt called me and told me that the cop was at her house saying my dog and some other dog were wondering town and apparently bit another dog. I told my aunt there is no way it was my dog. I then asked to talk to the officer and he told me that someone needed to come get my dog... View More 
The girlfriend wanted a dog for Christmas. We are no longer dating. She is expecting me to pay for half of all costs associated with the dog. Am I legally responsible for this dog?
My dogs were outside playing, I live out of city limits on a large farm. I breed highly expensive dogs and I have my own kennel business. My 4 month old puppy was in the ditch playing when a speeding car came through and ran her over without stopping. I live on a 1 mile straight stretch so she had... View More
answered on Mar 14, 2019
First, I'm sorry to hear that about your puppy's fate. As to your legal situation, I don't know what you mean by stating that the driver is "trying" to sue you. Either a case has been filed (if so, you must defend it) or there has been no lawsuit. Check Casenet. If... View More
A registered esa animal..they gave me 7 days to get rid of him. How can I avoid getting rid of my dog? Wellsville mo
answered on Mar 14, 2019
Here's what the ADA website, https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html, states:
Q3. Are emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals considered service animals under the ADA?
A. No. These terms are used to describe animals that provide comfort just by... View More
answered on Dec 17, 2018
While this answer is a bit late, I still wanted to respond so if anyone else has a similar question they can find an answer.
Your best bet is to call an animal welfare group or animal control before entering property that is not yours, even if you believe it to be abandoned. You could be... View More
Got him fixed and chipped. Now a person claims he is hers. We live in small town and she never posted a thing til now. Do we have to return?
answered on Nov 6, 2018
This is not really addressed well in the law and there is not a definitive answer for you. However, please consider that not everyone actively uses social media, the dog may have been stolen and released, or the person may have looked for the dog and given up hope. I have met numerous people who... View More
We tried to make contact with the owner but there is never anyone there night or day are we allowed to legally take him
answered on Oct 31, 2018
This is a late response, but the answer is that only police or animal control can take the dog. They are granted authority by the city, county, or state to do so. You should report severely malnourished or emaciated pets any time you see them.
answered on Oct 31, 2018
This would be considered abuse by almost any city ordinance more than likely and it probably violates a state statute, as well. If it happens or you see the trap out with poison, contact local police or animal control to make a report.
Our dog has done property damage to,our apartment which we agreed to pay for. She's not a viscouis dog at all. She's loving, sweet, and great with kids. We dont want,to give her up.
answered on Sep 25, 2018
This is going to be dependent on what is in your lease. You will need to talk with a local attorney who does landlord and tenant disputes.
My friends dog wouldn't nurse the pups so I got permission to take the pup as long as I bottle fed him. She is neglecting the other pups and said I have to give the pup back if I dont feed the others too. I said it wasnt my responsibility to feed the other pups and now she claims I stole my... View More
answered on Sep 21, 2018
If you feel there is abuse or neglect, please call animal control to investigate. For the remainder of your question, that is going to be very fact specific based on what you and your friend have said to each other and what agreement you had. You would need to schedule a consultation with an... View More
I just receny got fined for a dog that wasn’t mine. How is this possible? Someone had seen a dog running loose and the dog had barked at them so they called the cops and told them it was my dog. Note I had been home most of the day with my dog inside with me. The officer cited me and did no... View More
answered on May 25, 2018
Normally, I would suggest hiring an attorney, but the costs of paying a ticket for a dog at large (meaning loose dog) is minimal compared to hiring an attorney. The best thing to do is to ask for a hearing. Appear in court on the day it's scheduled and ask for hearing or trial. The city has to... View More
answered on Apr 14, 2018
There is a good chance that the answer is yes. Submit a claim to your insurer.
MO Rev Stat § 273.036.
Owner liable, when--fine, amount.
273.036. 1. The owner or possessor of any dog that bites, without provocation, any person while such person is on public property, or... View More
My husband asked a friend to keep his cat from him when he moved to a place that couldn't have cats he is now in prison and wants me to take care of his cat since it is mine as well and I can now have a cat where I am. He is not wanting to give us back our cat because he gave her to his... View More
She walked into my fiancé home with no notice after calling him asking if he’s home and he had a dog. No he’s not home and no dog. He’s my service animal I have psychological disabilities . I was added on lease 2 weeks ago. So she comes in the home knowing he’s not home well I am n my... View More
answered on Apr 5, 2018
You could hire a lawyer to write a letter explaining the law and your position. I don't think this is a matter that you will end up litigating on your own. Best wishes.
answered on Apr 4, 2018
You can file a police report. You can hire an attorney. You can sue for the return of the dogs.
My neighbors have a large, aggressive dog who is frequently left outside off leash and unattended in their front yard. My county has strict leash rules which this neighbor is in violation of. Furthermore, the dog does not stay in the yard. It terrorizes the neighborhood and I'm afraid it will... View More
answered on Apr 3, 2018
Here's Missouri's statute. I hope it helps. Consult with an attorney before you start dog-shooting.
Killing or injuring a dog, reasonable apprehension of imminent harm is an absolute defense.
273.033. 1. In any action for damages or a criminal prosecution against any... View More
Back ground, my dog was unleashed but in my yard, she smelled something in the woods backing up to our yard, went to check it out and was shot twice. There is documented evidence of illegal deer baiting, my dog had found a carcass of a deer, when she was shot), a witness stated they saw a gun being... View More
answered on Apr 3, 2018
I'm sorry to hear about your dog getting shot. That's terrible. Unfortunately, you cannot "press charges" because you are not the prosecutor. You can and did file a police report. Without a witness, I can understand why nothing further has been done by law enforcement. You... View More
My husband and I own a farm in Perryville, MO. Our neighboring farmer shot and killed our shepherd dog when it roamed onto his farm and started barking at his cows. He did not alert out farm hands about the problem; instead he shot the dog and never told us. Our farm hands later found the dog dead... View More
answered on Mar 20, 2018
Basically a violation of game laws & or laws on killing animals if any. You can only recover for the value of the dog based on sale price for a dog that age.
Hi, i purchased a puppy last year in Missouri at a pet store. They charged me $2,100 and told me my dog was a maltipoo. I do still have the papers. At the time, I believed them because she was a puppy and was very fluffy and small. However, i have TWO real maltipoos in the family and now that a... View More
answered on Mar 19, 2018
This is a problem for Missouri Small Claims court. Your damages would be what you actually paid, minus the value of what you actually got.
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