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Texas Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Animal / Dog Law and Small Claims for Texas on
Q: Do I have a case in small claims court? Bought a puppy with AKC papers and breeder won't give them and is ignoring me

Breeder has been ignoring me for 8 months because I am asking for my dogs registration paperwork that she said he has. I paid $1500 for him under the assumption he had AKC papers and I have been lied to

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Aug 24, 2023

Yes, you have a valid small claims case. You should ask for either specific performance (i.e. give me the dog's registration papers) or the difference in value between an AKC registered dog (which most likely is the price you paid) and the value of an unregistered dog of the same breed (which... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Animal / Dog Law for Texas on
Q: Who do I call to report?

Who do I call to report animal abuse? Do I just call the police and see if they Presa charges or do I call someone else?

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jul 26, 2023

I would contact your local chapter of the SPCA. Beat cops are rarely familiar with animal cruelty laws. Your local SPCA will know the appropriate law enforcement agency and the appropriate person within that agency to report animal cruelty to. The SPCA representative will also most likely be... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Animal / Dog Law for Texas on
Q: Who do I call to report?

Who do I call to report animal abuse? Do I just call the police and see if they Presa charges or do I call someone else?

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jul 26, 2023

If you suspect or witness animal abuse in Texas, you should report it to your local law enforcement agency. In many cases, you can call the non-emergency police number to report the incident. They will handle the situation and, if necessary, may involve animal control or other appropriate... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Texas on
Q: Can a property owner be sued if a dog walker allows the dog to eat landscaping plants and the dog dies. This is Texas.
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jun 8, 2023

It depends upon the particular facts and circumstances of the situation. At first glance, it does not appear there are any facts creating a duty to the owner of the dog, but there may be additional facts not stated in this question that give rise to such a duty.

But remember that the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Animal / Dog Law for Texas on
Q: Is it legal for a person to house 12 to 18 cats in a 1000 sq ft apartment dwelling. They eat 3 to 5 cups daily.

The house is very unhealthy. I divorced my wife because of this now I'm homeless. Section 8 is allowing a single woman to live in a house with 12 to 15 cats. The ammonia smells so strong it burns your eyes and nose. It's not healthy for her it hasn't been healthy for me in about 12... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 10, 2023

As her husband, you unquestionably had a greater say about this situation than any Section 8 agency.

You might be able to make some headway reporting her for animal cruelty if the health of the cats are endangered. As for her own health, that is really something for her to decide for...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Landlord - Tenant for Texas on
Q: Can you be evicted for having four support animals in Arlington Texas?
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 13, 2023

No, as long as you meet with following requirements:

Your licensed healthcare professional must determine that you have a need for more than one emotional support animal to alleviate symptoms of your mental illness.

Your ESA letter must specifically reference each support animal....
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Texas on
Q: I was bit by a neighbor’s dog 3 days ago and had to get staples in my leg. Could I get compensated?
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 5, 2023

Maybe depending on whether there is evidence the animal bit someone before and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

For example, many cities have a leash law that requires an owner to restrain a dog inside a fence or on a leash. If the dog was not so restrained and bit you, it may...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for Texas on
Q: My cat has suffered brain damage from anastasia at the vets office. Was having surgery to pull 2 teeth. Now he can't eve
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Feb 27, 2023

If you think you can prove Anastasia caused your cat’s brain damage, call the vet office to get her full legal name and send her a demand letter for the full fair market value of your cat. Unless the cat is an unusually rare pure breed, it is likely that she or her employer will pay you the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Texas on
Q: Is it pet abandonment if said to boarder I'll be paying end of Feb n picking up was told by cop it's a civil matter

Was told by boarding lady she was gonna turn me in for pet abandonment if I don't pay and pick up dog by Feb 14th I talked to a local cop here n he said if she's refusing to give u said dog until it's paid then it's not abandonment it is considered a civil matter she said I... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Feb 5, 2023

Saying you will pay at the end of February isn’t pet abandonment.

Refusing to pick up your pet and pay for past boarding as requested probably gives the boarder the right to take your pet to the local animal shelter unless you have a written agreement that requires the boarder to keep...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Landlord - Tenant for Texas on
Q: My neighbors dogs came into my yard killed my male dog 2 years ago the owner wouldnt even pay me for the vet bill.

3 days ago the neighbor dogs 4 came in my house thru the dog door and killed my female dog what can i do

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jan 24, 2023

You can sue your neighbor for the fair market value of your dead dog.

A jury or judge will have to determine you and your neighbor’s proportionate share of responsibility most like based on each of your negligence.

If your neighbor is found to be more than 50% responsible, you...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Texas on
Q: Can my mom sue her neighbor for shooting her dog that was on their property? Told them if they were to just use a bb gun

The day before her dog was playing with one of their chickens in the yard and she took the chicken home and asked they not shoot her dog if he was in their yard. She asked that if they did to just use a bb gun. They said they did not have a bb gun but they did have a pellet gun not a bb gun. She... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jan 22, 2023

Maybe.

But your mom had a duty to keep her dog in her own yard. So your mom could share some of the legal responsibility.

And your damages will be measured by the price or value of the pup.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Texas on
Q: My neighbors dog broke the fence boarding our two yards, and impregnated my dog, can I sue for vet fees?

It’s clear by the damage on the fence that it was pushed from his side, also my dog is in heat which would explain why his unfixed male dog wanted to get through so badly. On top of this, my dog is a pure bread GSD which I had intentions on breeding, her puppy’s would have sold for a minimum of... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jan 21, 2023

Theoretically.

You and your neighbor share mutual responsibility for maintaining your common fence. Your neighbor is also responsible for keeping his dog properly restrained. You had superior knowledge that you dog was in heat and would therefore attract the attention of male dogs in the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Texas on
Q: My dog was put to death at Dallas animal shelter. Even though I sent them 3 emails that they replied to. To let them

That it was my dog and that I was coming to get her

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jan 4, 2023

If you notified the animal shelter of your ownership, the shelter is required to continue to hold the dog for five days from the date it was impounded (not from the date you notified the shelter) for you to come and pick up your dog. As long as you appeared at the shelter with the proper funds to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Texas on
Q: Our 9 month old dog was bred without our consent at dog boarding. What can we do? The dog had 9 puppies all from our dog

We boarded our 9 month old dog in September for a weekend (Thursday-Sunday). On Saturday, the day before we picked him up, the lady that owns the dog boarding told us that our dog jumped the fence and mated with her dog. (Our dog was only 9 months at the time and much smaller. He has never even... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Dec 17, 2022

If you can show the boarding facility was negligent in boarding your dog, you may be entitled to the monetary value of one pup.

You can file a lawsuit in small claims court if the value of one pup sired by your registered dog is less than $20,000.

The fact your dog jumped the fence...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Civil Rights for Texas on
Q: My story is longwinded. My dog in essence was STOLEN with the help of the local police department. What R my rights? TX.

The officer obligated me to hand over the dog. I took the woman who stole my dog to court and they found in my favor. The police bent over backwards FOR HER. She "alleges" she lost it and there is nothing I can do to her allegedly. She moved shortly after the incident which tells me she... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Nov 23, 2022

It is not the mayor's job, or that of the city attorney, police department, or state attorney general, to help you enforce your judgment against the women who stole your dog.

It is your attorney's job, or your job if you are unwisely proceeding without an attorney, to file the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Texas on
Q: I had these dogs for yrs. The dogs got out while I was packing to leave. They are my daughters dogs.Can I be charge

When dogs got out by being 73 my cousin pick me up.My neighbor found them took them to the pound. I have had the dogs for years. Can I be changed with abundance

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Nov 21, 2022

I am unfamiliar with “abundance.”

Just go to the pound with their registration and vaccination cards and pick them up. There might be a small fine for allowing them to run at large and there might be additional fines if they aren’t registered and vaccinated. But this should not be a big deal.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Animal / Dog Law for Texas on
Q: What do I do about a leaser leaving cattle on my property and not feeding them and abandoning his cattle.

I have asked several time for him to remove the cows by phone because the cows are getting out searching for food, but now he has blocked our numbers. Three other families are feeding these animals, but his excuse was that he had gout and couldn’t. I just need advice on how to get them off my... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Nov 9, 2022

You should report the abandoned cattle to your local sheriff's office. If you just want the cattle gone, they will notify the owner and then impound the cattle if they are not removed within five days.

You may be entitled to a redemption price but, as you obviously do not handle...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Texas on
Q: How can I show proof of ownership of a dog that I was gifted due to it being abused/neglected?

I work at my apartment building. There was a tenant who, since the day they moved in, had not paid rent or anything (august-October). Not sure how they were able to move-in in the first place. My managers filed for eviction. They went into his apartment and room to hand him the paperwork. They... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Nov 3, 2022

If the dog belonged to the tenant, only the tenant had legal authority to give the dog away. Your manager had no legal right to tell you that you could keep the dog because the dog did not belong to your manager.

Your better argument is that the tenant abandoned the dog. If the tenant...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Domestic Violence and Small Claims for Texas on
Q: How can I obtain legal ownership of dogs shared with an ex-boyfriend who is withholding them to coerce me to stay?

In order to leave an emotionally abusive relationship, I had to leave without my dogs. The dogs were abandoned in our care by his sister 3 years ago. She told my ex that we could keep them or give them to her dad, who is disabled & unable to care for pets. Giving the dogs to the dad would... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Oct 26, 2022

Since the dogs were given to you both, you own them as tenants in common.

You can petition a court to partition them in kind or to have them sold and divide the proceeds equally between the two of you.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Texas on
Q: My dog was stolen two years ago. I saw my dog on a pet page and contacted them. How do I get my dog back?

I told them I would pay for a DNA test to prove he is my dog since my brother has his daughter to test the DNA with. I told her I had his AKC Paperwork, pedigree, and pictures of him with our family.

I contacted the police two years ago, but I did not know where he was. I contacted animal... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Sep 19, 2022

You can file a suit for "replevin." Such a suit seeks the return of a specific item of personal property (other than money) in possession of the other party that rightfully belongs to you. In this case, the item is the dog.

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