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I would like to know how to join a class action lawsuit against a manufacturer whose product caused damages to my pet, including muscle control loss, paresis, recumbency, and a UTI. I have already opened a case with the manufacturer but am not yet part of the lawsuit. What steps do I need to take... View More

answered on Apr 22, 2025
I'm sorry about what your pet is going through. You'll need to search online for information about the case, and contact the administrator or one of the managing attorneys. If an attorney is handling your current case on an individual basis, first discuss with them and let them know about... View More

answered on Mar 31, 2024
In Dorchester County, South Carolina, there are no specific laws or ordinances that prohibit burying a pet in your backyard. However, it is generally recommended to follow these guidelines to ensure public health and safety:
1. Choose a location that is far from any water sources, such as... View More
I have a new horse boarder who has been on my property for two weeks without a contract and without paying. After the first week, I asked them to leave and granted them two additional weeks to find a new place, but they asked for three weeks. The boarder has caused damage by breaking my tractor,... View More

answered on Jul 11, 2025
This situation is stressful, and you're right to want to take action. Even without a written contract, the boarder is on your property under what's likely considered a verbal or informal agreement, but their refusal to leave and the damage caused makes this more than just a business... View More
I am paralyzed, and my ex took my dog to the vet on my behalf. I believe my ex only provided his contact information to the vet. Without notifying me, the vet put my dog down based on my ex’s authorization. I had not authorized my ex to make such decisions about my dog. Now, the vet is asking me... View More

answered on Jun 7, 2025
This situation sounds heartbreaking, and you're right to feel upset and betrayed. If your ex did not have legal authority—such as power of attorney or written consent—to make medical decisions for your dog, the vet may have acted improperly by relying solely on your ex’s word. Your dog... View More
Someone set a trap to catch a wild dog next to my property and accidentally caught my 2lb ten-year-old dog. Instead of informing me, they gave my dog to their daughter, who has since microchipped and neutered him. She now demands I pay her vet bills before returning my dog. I have proof of... View More

answered on May 14, 2025
I'm so sorry you're dealing with this—it’s painful to be separated from your dog, especially knowing someone else is holding him and demanding money for his return. Since you have photos, witness statements, and text messages confirming that the dog is yours, that’s strong evidence... View More
I was fined $1087.50 after my dog and her puppies broke out of their cage and ran around, causing a nuisance. My landlord changed her mind about allowing dogs inside, so we tried to keep them outside using chains and later built a fence. Unfortunately, my dog keeps escaping despite these measures.... View More

answered on Apr 13, 2025
It sounds like you're facing a tough situation with your dog and the fines related to the incidents. When you go to court, you’ll want to explain the steps you’ve taken to secure your dog, such as using chains, collars, and eventually building a fence. Showing that you’ve made efforts to... View More
I gave my dog up for adoption, and now the adopter doesn't want the dog anymore, claiming the dog is sick with diarrhea. I've provided them with vet statements showing the dog is not sick. We agreed via text that he would take the dog, and he stated he would take care of the dog. However,... View More

answered on Apr 12, 2025
This sounds like a really stressful situation, and it's understandable that you're feeling overwhelmed. In South Carolina, once you legally transfer ownership of a dog—whether through written contract or clear communication like texts—the new owner becomes responsible for the animal.... View More

answered on Jan 5, 2024
A gift is a gift, just don't voluntarily turn the dog over. He is unlikely to find a lawyer who will bring a case against you for it, but if he does obviously you may need to look into getting yourself a lawyer at that time.
We were strung along for days after being approved for adoption. 45min before we were supposed to get the dog I was as informed via text that he went to a foster and they’d have to see when they’d be available. Fast forward to the next day, I’ve still heard no word. So I reach out only to be... View More

answered on Aug 21, 2023
Like in most jurisdictions, South Carolina law considers dogs to be items of personal property like a TV set or a lamp. The value of a dog for purposes of legal damages is the fair market value of the dog at the time of the loss. As in most jurisdictions, SC law does not allow any recovery for... View More
They blame our nephews who is 4&5 years old left their back yard gate opened but there is no proof and no one saw that. Nephews are already inside of our house when the dog came in and attacked our dog Infront of them and our mom . We are asking them to pay the vet bill but they refused because... View More

answered on Dec 14, 2022
This isn't a family law question, it's a personal injury question. The owner of a dog is strictly liable for any injury or damage done by their dog. If the dog owner has renter's or homeowner's insurance, it will cover any damages caused by the dogs. You would need to file a... View More

answered on Oct 2, 2022
In South Carolina there is strict liability for dog attacks. If someone is injured as a result of a dog attack (even in attempting to get away from a charging dog where there is no bite) the owner of the dog is responsible. Absent that, you might consider contacting your local animal control to... View More
Water or to let me turn on my car to provide AC for my dog, the policemen would not let me do anything to help my dog despite me pleading with them. My dog died of heat stroke. Can I hold those policemen responsible for Bear's death? I may be reached at:

answered on Jun 7, 2022
I am so sorry that happened to you. As to a case, potentially, yes but generally in South Carolina pets are only reimbursed at “market value” as property. However, you may also have a case against them depending on the nature of your detention. Be advised state agencies are subject to a... View More
she is deliberating hidding them, i am afraid i will never see them again. please help

answered on Oct 11, 2020
How did the woman come to obtain the birds?
Without knowing this, specifically whether you entrusted her with the birds and she refused to return them, whether she broke in to somewhere and took them without your permission or knowledge, etc., it’s impossible to examine whether there is a... View More
Have not heard anything! Laws on abandoning

answered on Oct 5, 2020
Here is the process for selling the animal and getting to assert a lien against the sales proceeds for all costs that you have:
SECTION 29-15-60. Animal boarding facilities; liens upon animals for boarding expenses.
The owner of an animal boarding facility, at the end of an agreed... View More
Then out of no where he took the dog from me and refused to let me see him or get him for two years. He went to jail for about two months recently but contacted me before hand and asked me if i could keep our dog while he was in there. Now that hes out, hes wanting to come get the dog. If i dont... View More

answered on Apr 7, 2020
He would have to file a claim and delivery action in Magistrate Court to force you to return the dog. If you both have an ownership interest in the dog you have just as much right to keep the dog as he does. If on the other hand he can prove that he is the sole owner of the dog then the court would... View More
sc rules state that ebikes can go on paths, but our paths are for residents getting exercise who are generally 60+, children on bikes, residents with pets, casual bicylers, etc . we want to restrict bikes to the street and not the paths. can you help?

answered on Mar 22, 2020
You might not even need a lawyer. You could contact your local officials in the city council or town board and discuss your concerns with them. Good luck
Tim Akpinar

answered on Oct 14, 2019
Absolutely. You will need to contact your local law enforcement agency and file a report so that they can start an investigation. You can also file a civil matter in Magistrates court to get your dog back from the person.
I took my neighbors dog from her 9 months ago because the dog was emaciated and had heat spots, the dog was kept in a burn barrel. Need to know if I can still call police and report her. Have pictures and all

answered on Mar 13, 2019
Absolutely call the police and the humane society. There is no statute of limitations on doing either.

answered on Jun 22, 2016
Generally no. They may be responsible for your property damage. Note also that a dogs "value" in most states is minimal.
However if they are making a claim you have an obligation to notify your insurance. Do not discuss on social media.Talk less, listen more if dealing with them.
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