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Virginia Animal / Dog Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Virginia on
Q: If vet does not confirm the cause of death of puppy can owner sue me for puppy not being healthy when sold.

The owner said puppy ate did not actually see puppy eat. Went to take the puppy outside she was wobbly, falling down, and possibly vomited and urinated. Took puppy to vet, the vet suggested puppy had a partial seizure. Ran a test and then give puppy overdose of Valium (0.37ml) when should have been... View More

Jan F Hoen
Jan F Hoen
answered on Apr 3, 2018

Your question is unclear as to how you would be responsible.

In any event, an expert veterinary opinion to prove causation of death would be required to pursue any claim.

Also, there is no value to the claim other than the replacement cost for the puppy. Animals are considered...
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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Criminal Law and Federal Crimes for Virginia on
Q: a woman was going to give me 2 dogs, had me spend money on things they needed in order to get them and then backed out

She was coming from virginia, she is a friend of a friend agreed to bring 2 husky puppies because she was basically fostering them and couldn’t keep them, she said she would bring them once I had fencing set up for them we agreed and went and bought fencing kennel and told her she said she would... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Mar 5, 2018

You can sue her for the extras on the grounds of detrimental reliance. But you'd have to sue her there, go down to court there. May just be as you were set on getting two pups to look around and get one you like for starters and leave that issue be.

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Criminal Law for Virginia on
Q: I got a dog when i was with my ex. I left her & now shes trying to press charges cause i brought my dog with me.
Susan Fremit
Susan Fremit
answered on Feb 18, 2018

If you paid for the dog, it’s yours. I can’t think of any charges your ex can bring against you.

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Virginia on
Q: My boyfriend is in jail and his dog is tearing my house up is it against the law to turn the dog in to animal controll

The dog into animal control

Matthew Lane Kreitzer
Matthew Lane Kreitzer
answered on Jan 19, 2018

The answer to your question would depend on a series of questions related to your living arrangements, any lease terms or private agreements, and how much of a risk the dog presents. Your best bet is to reach out to a lawyer through the Virginia Lawyer Referral Service.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Animal / Dog Law and Civil Litigation for Virginia on
Q: I signed a contract with a breeder stated she got a male bull terrier puppy from me in exchange for a American bully pup

She has a litter now and is hiding the information from me. What type of claim paperwork do I need to take her to court

F. Paul Maloof
F. Paul Maloof
answered on Jan 9, 2018

I do not handleanimal law matters. You should contact an animal law attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Animal / Dog Law, Collections and Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: I Moved out December 9th and am just receiving a final move out notice stating I owe 710 for pet damages that weren’t

Present at the time of departure. I have no proof that there wasn’t any damages, how hard would it be to dispute if they have a receipt of the services rendered.

F. Paul Maloof
F. Paul Maloof
answered on Jan 4, 2018

Evidence of the condition of the premises as of the date of move out is critical to prove your side of the case.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law for Virginia on
Q: Dog off leash attacking and slowly killing cat in the cat owners yard. If owner kills dog will they be fined or charged?

Just want to know if it ever happens because I've been worried about a neighbor's dogs although killing the dog is only a very last resort(if legal) because I love animals and don't think any non-food animal should be killed but if it won't let go I don't want my cat to die

Matthew Lane Kreitzer
Matthew Lane Kreitzer
answered on Dec 26, 2017

If you have real concerns regarding the safety of your animals and have prior incidents that show that your neighbor's dog is dangerous, there are other steps you should be taking prior to thinking about killing your neighbor's dog. You should contact the local authorities to discuss your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Family Law for Virginia on
Q: Can I sue a family member for spaying my dog without consent by myself, the owner?
Matthew Lane Kreitzer
Matthew Lane Kreitzer
answered on Dec 24, 2017

Yes. Consult a lawyer.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: Landlord said she's gonna evict us if we don't report a stray cat on the property. Can she?

Landlord said we are legally obligated to report a stray cat and that we have 5 days to do so or she is gonna give us eviction notice

F. Paul Maloof
F. Paul Maloof
answered on Dec 6, 2017

A landlord cannot proceed to evict a tenant unless there is a court order granting the landlord possession. As for the stray cat, you should review your lease to see what it says about the tenant's obligation to report a stray cat. If there is nothing stated in the lease, the tenant has no... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: My Landlord lost my dog.

My landlord went to my townhouse and left the front door open. My dog got out and we haven't found him. Its been 3 weeks. Nobody who lives in the house was home at the time the landlord went in and he was well aware that we have a dog. Is there anything we can do?

F. Paul Maloof
F. Paul Maloof
answered on Nov 30, 2017

Call the police to notify them of the unleashed dog on the loose.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Landlord - Tenant and Contracts for Virginia on
Q: My landlord approved our two dogs, specifically by breed and name, in our lease.

Now, upon meeting the dogs, they said we have to leave because they are “uncomfortable”. They are also refusing to have electrical repairs made because of the dogs. We have crates for the dogs and have offered to take them off premises while repairs are being made. They refused. They have also... View More

F. Paul Maloof
F. Paul Maloof
answered on Nov 7, 2017

You can call the police and complain that the Landlord is trespassing. You can also sue the landlord for breach of your covenant of quiet enjoyment. You may want to consult with a attorney in your local.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for Virginia on
Q: My dog bit a child on Halloween. The bite was minor and my dog never bit anyone before. I need a lawyer in williamsburg

Animal control has not seen my dog but wants to make a report to Commonwealth atty. I need a lawyer to defend my dog in virginia

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Nov 3, 2017

Animal control required to report. Notify your homeowners. Get a consult from an attorney who focuses on animal control issues.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for Virginia on
Q: my dog got out of my apt and bit a man who got in between my dog and his, he tried to grab my dog. what can I do?
Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Oct 31, 2017

Report it to your renters insurance.

Get a leash.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: Can my landlord force me to move my dog Gracie in 24 hours because she bit her tiny dog that cost us $7000 in vet bills?

I rent a walkout apt on a 12 acre farm.The owner rescues many animals. One pair of dogs are maltese something, maybe 10 pounds.

Somehow the little one got out,( the latch on the laundry door does not always catch) my dog Gracie is a rescue lab mix 65 pounds came around the corner with me... View More

F. Paul Maloof
F. Paul Maloof
answered on Sep 26, 2017

You should call Animal Control for the city or county in which you reside for the answer to your question. I do not handle animal attack matters.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Civil Litigation and Divorce for Virginia on
Q: What kind of lawyer do I need to sue my husband for dog we got together but he won't let me see now. I left 30 days ago.

The dog was adopted in his name but was for me and I am primary care taker. He has his own puppy he got for his dog.

F. Paul Maloof
F. Paul Maloof
answered on May 31, 2017

You should consult a divorce attorney as this sounds like a marital property claim.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Criminal Law for Virginia on
Q: Is it considered animal neglect if your dog is really sick and you don't seek help from a vet? if so what could happen
Steve Miyares
Steve Miyares
answered on Apr 26, 2017

Under Virginia Code 3.2-6570, animal cruelty (Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and up to a $2500 fine) includes depriving an animal of "emergency veterinary treatment". You should consult with an attorney in your local jurisdiction to discuss the specific facts... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law, Legal Malpractice and Medical Malpractice for Virginia on
Q: seeking attorney for consultation for animal medical malpractice for fairfax, virginia
Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Apr 21, 2017

The problem is that the value of the animal is basically the market value.However there may be other things involved.Start with members of the Va. trial Lawyers Assn-they give free consults.

1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: Can a rental office employee chase you down to see if you live there while walking your dog?

Asking if the dog is registered with them and saying the dog looks too big. My dog is on my lease with them.

Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
answered on Mar 31, 2017

I don't see any reason why the staff can't approach you in a common area in order to verify the dog is appropriately registered with them in accordance with the lease.

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Wrongful Death for Virginia on
Q: Ok I surrendered my dog to shelter was told dog would try to be adopted out but in 1 hr they killed my .can I sue

She was healthy and non aggressive..theylied to me because would have never left her to be killed..I am in depression state and seeing a psych doctor.cant sleep or eat

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Mar 11, 2017

It would be a difficult case--much would depend on what you signed. However I would check with a member of the Va. Trial Lawyers Assn--they give free consults. The law generally places little value on the life of pets, and little value on their meaning to the owner, and finally "emotional... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for Virginia on
Q: my dog went into the neighbors yard and the neighbors dog killed mine. Am I entitled to any vet bills ?

their dog is a lab/mix and mine is a 3 lb yorkie. they do have an invisible fence to keep their dog in. Their dog bit me when I was trying to get mine out of its mouth.

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Mar 11, 2017

your dog (and thus you) were trespassing. They have a fence to keep their dog in. Sounds like you didn't.Sorry, on you.

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