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Ohio Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Ohio on
Q: I sold my dog then the lady said come get her it's not a good fit now the lady wants money

She said i could have her back free now She wants money the lady said she didn't want her I had a mental break down made a terrible mistake I want my dog back is this even legal she clearly said well since I wanted her back I would have to pay her a bribe $200

Kristina M. Bergsten
PREMIUM
Kristina M. Bergsten
answered on Jul 21, 2020

I don’t understand the question. If you made a mistake, and you want the dog back, then just pay her $200. If she isn’t going to love or care for the dog, or worse, give the dog to a shelter or someone who will abuse it, it would be better for you to take it back.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Ohio on
Q: My dog got out of the house and yard today.

my dog got out of my house and ran to the neighbors house who has 3 dogs she likes to play along the fence with. My dog is non aggressive. But does bark at strangers. When she got out I ran straight after her trying to get her. There was a woman walking with her kids and while I was trying to get... View More

Kristina M. Bergsten
PREMIUM
Kristina M. Bergsten
answered on Jul 2, 2020

The sheriff probably wants to serve you a summons. I don’t know for what, exactly. The only way to find out is to call the sheriff. You can hire an attorney to call the sheriff for you if you don’t want to talk to him/her. Or if you do call, DO NOT make any statements to the sheriff. Just... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Ohio on
Q: We got a dog from the shelter 3days ago got loose.I posted on Facebook we got him back.

Someone called saying it’s his dog. The son of the guy called said not to give it back to the father to keep him or give it to the son because he would take him. Not sure what to do. I still haven’t said we found him because of all of this. But they didn’t get him from the shelter from one... View More

Taylor P Waters
Taylor P Waters
answered on Jun 30, 2020

Keep your dog. You adopted it from a shelter, it's your dog now. If they continue to harass you, you can call the police on them.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Ohio on
Q: 2 years ago we were given a dog that was taken in as a stray prior. Could she be taken away by previous owner if chipped

2 years ago, my family was given a dog by a man who had taken her in. When he took her in, she was a stray, and he tried to find her family but never heard back from them. He couldn't care for her anymore, so we took her in and she's since very much become our dog. She was very obviously... View More

Taylor P Waters
Taylor P Waters
answered on Jun 30, 2020

You should be fine. Vets won't scan microchips unless you ask and they're not usually concerned with ferreting out that kind of thing.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Ohio on
Q: Are dogs owned by a breeding facility considered a companion animal by law?

If yes, would all legislation protecting companion animals be applicable to breeders? Are high volume breeders/puppy mills to be held accountable for animals cruelty?

Taylor P Waters
Taylor P Waters
answered on Jun 30, 2020

That's a complicated question that involves several different areas of law. If you have a specific concern, go ahead and give me a call. The short answer, is yes, usually.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Ohio on
Q: If I gave dog away because of a mental breakdown and I got help now I want it back can I legally take back
Taylor P Waters
Taylor P Waters
answered on Jun 30, 2020

That depends on how you surrendered your dog, to whom you surrendered your dog, and whether he/she belongs to someone else now.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Ohio on
Q: My neighbor has 2 large dogs and they growl and bark when I am outside on my back patio. Their fence is not tall enough

The fence is not sturdy either. I am afraid to be in my back yard or patio. Can they be told they need a taller and better fence?

Taylor P Waters
Taylor P Waters
answered on Jun 30, 2020

Nope. If they're on their property, they're well within the law. You can always chat with your neighbor and explain your concerns, or build your own fence.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Ohio on
Q: If I gave a dog away but now want back but they will not give back. Do I have rights

I had a mental breakdown and gave dog to a friend or a friend. After I felt better i offered to buy back. They will not allow us to even visit

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
answered on Jun 19, 2020

When you give a gift, you generally cannot take it back unless it was conditioned on something that didn’t happen.

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

My sister asked me to watch her dogs for an extended period of time, she then text me on day and told me to get rid of them (I have all the screenshots) so I get rid of my sisters female dog, and I decided to keep her male dog. I charged a rehoming fee of 50$ to ensure the dog went to a good home... View More

Taylor P Waters
Taylor P Waters
answered on Jun 9, 2020

Probably not. If you have her screenshot statements telling you to "get rid" of them, then you would likely be successful at arguing that she abandoned them. After she abandoned them, you rehomed one and kept the other. The male is now your property.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Ohio on
Q: My dog is in my fiances name am I still held liable for her biting the cat?

My dog is in my fiances name am I still held liable for her biting a cat? I am summoned to court because I talked to cop

Our 3 dogs allegedly escaped and got the neghbors outdoor cat. They admitted to the cops she was an outdoor cat and roamed the neighborhood but she was atacked in her... View More

Taylor P Waters
Taylor P Waters
answered on Jun 9, 2020

You're probably liable for the vet bills, and may be liable for the criminal end of things as well. You should reach out to an attorney for a full opinion and representation.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Ohio on
Q: My dog was taken 4 years ago and we just found her. The people that have her refuse to give her back. What can I do?

They admit they knew she was mine and didnt want to give her back. They are claiming they "found" her outside of my house and took her. We had search efforts for her along with some assist from the local dog warden. They are now claiming they contacted me 6 months after they took her and... View More

Taylor P Waters
Taylor P Waters
answered on Jun 9, 2020

Maybe. You might have to bring a small claims action against them and show your ownership of her, all your attempts to find her, and any evidence of their statements that they knew she was yours and did not want to give her back. Given the time that has past, it would be very difficult.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Ohio on
Q: I was given a pup that we've had for 8 months. Can they take the pup back from me??

We whelped the litter and our payment was a pup. Now that I don't get along with previous owner they want to take dog back from us. The only thing that concerns me is that they still have papers for our dog. Its been 8 months so I figure if it is even possible to take this dog from me that... View More

Taylor P Waters
Taylor P Waters
answered on Jun 9, 2020

That would depend on whether you signed a contract with them, and what it says about returning the dog. It's unlikely that simply a soured relationship would suffice to force you to return a dog. If there is no written contract, your general contract appears to be that you whelped the litter,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Ohio on
Q: I bought a dog for an agreed price from a woman Friday, today she told me she was "unaware of the lease the breeder had"

she wants me to return the dog or pay the balance of a lease i didnt sign. Since paying the agreed price and having it agreed upon via text do i have to return the dog?

Nicholas P. Weiss
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answered on Jun 1, 2020

No. You are what's called a bona fide purchaser, which means you took possession of the purchased property without any knowledge, actual or constructive, of any other ownership interest in the property (the dog). As a matter of law, you do not have to pay the lease. You may want to consider... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Ohio on
Q: Dog custody in dissolution

My husband and I are going through a dissolution. We had 2 dogs, he got one and I got the other. I was finally able to see the dog he has and his nails are completely grown out and his undercoat is matted. My ex moved to a tiny apartment so he has nowhere to run and play. I was always the primary... View More

Anthony C. Satariano
Anthony C. Satariano
answered on May 7, 2020

Your question indicates you are going through a dissolution. In a dissolution, the division of all property (including pets) must be agreed on ahead of time. In other words, the agreement must address the dogs, the judge will not make a decision on who gets the dog that day.

Further, if...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Ohio on
Q: Neighbors with no so friendly dog.

Our neighbors have a dog that's not so friendly, they have a fenced in yard but the dog is big enough to hop the fence & on multiple occasions dug holes under to get out. One of those occasions of which he bit my little brother, my brother did not press charges in fears they would have to... View More

Nicholas P. Weiss
Nicholas P. Weiss pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 5, 2020

Your brother does not need to file the police report. You can file the police report. Going the criminal route is going to be faster to stop the danger to you and your family.

If you go the civil route, you can bring a suit for negligence and trespass against your neighbors, but that is...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: In Ohio, what can be done about my neighbors aggressive dog?

My neighbors dog is causing us and our dog to lose the enjoyment of our property. It constantly attacks and jumps on the fence in a menacing fashion or an apparent attitude of attack. Our dog is becoming more and more afraid to go out and is causing "accidents" in the house. Her 4 foot... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on May 3, 2020

As you have learned, local ordinances and animal control are usually not much help. You can try talking to your neighbor, but neighbor problems are difficult to resolve, and can get worse if you take action. Use the Find a Lawyer tab to retain a local attorney who can advise you of options.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: My dog bit my girlfriend’s son and ex is threatening to take kids away. It was a freak accident and I got rid of dog.

Child was taken to ER immediately. Someone was supposed to come look at the dog but no one came.

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on May 3, 2020

Ex can make threats, but it is the court that decides after hearing all the facts and testimony. Unless it was a known dangerous dog, or had prior aggressive behavior, then it seems unlikely that a court would change parenting arrangements. But use the Find a Lawyer tab to consult a local family... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Ohio on
Q: My daughter lived in a rental house of mine , she moved out on bad terms didn’t pay rent or bills , left a puppy without

Food or water I found the pup 3 days after she left . The pup destroyed carpets and other flooring as well as drywall . I’m know taking care of the pup and want to keep him . She is not returning any calls , am I allowed to keep him so I can get him to vet and get him up to date on vaccines and... View More

Taylor P Waters
Taylor P Waters
answered on Feb 12, 2020

Yes, it sounds as though she abandoned him and thus he is now your property. You can take him to the vet, get him up to date on vaccines, and neutered.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Land Use & Zoning for Ohio on
Q: Our neighbors have 12 dogs that they keep inside their home. Is that legal outside of a municipality?

When they are outside, they bark continuously. Every time we go outside we have dogs barking at us. We have complained to the township trustees, and have even called the sheriff a couple times. The only answer we get is there is no law governing this. The only thing the township told me is that... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Feb 11, 2020

Have you talked to the neighbors about it? If there is no local ordinance, then your options are limited. Use the Find a Lawyer tab to retain a local attorney who can review the facts and discuss filing a nuisance lawsuit. But neighbor problems are difficult to resolve, and can escalate,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Ohio on
Q: A stray dog came in my yard. My dog and stray dog got into fight causing stitches for the stray dog. Who's liable?
Taylor P Waters
Taylor P Waters
answered on Feb 6, 2020

No one, likely. Unless you can find an owner for the dog who bit your dog.

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