Florida Animal Legal Questions

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227 legal [2, *]questions have been posted about animal law by real users in Florida. Ask your question and dive into the knowledge of attorneys who handle your issue regularly. Similar topics to explore also include equine law, and animal rights. All topics and other states can be accessed in the dropdowns below.
Florida Animal Questions & Legal Answers - Page 8
Do you have any Florida Animal questions page 8 and need some legal advice or guidance? Ask a Lawyer to get an answer or read through our 227 previously answered Florida Animal questions.

Recent Legal Answers

condo refusing animal support dog

Answered 10 years and 7 months ago by attorney Richard Alex Asselta   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
While your condo association has the legal right to seek information such as a letter from a physician, as long as the physician's letter meets certain requirement, the animal should be allowed. You should seek out a Florida attorney who practices animal law. 
While your condo association has the legal right to seek information such as a letter from a physician, as long as the physician's letter meets... Read Answer

Can I make someone pay for old injuries to my dog?

Answered 10 years and 7 months ago by attorney Richard Alex Asselta   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
If you already sued and the case is closed, then no. Likewise, if you entered into a settlement agreement and the other party complied with the settlement, you cannot go back now and sue for additional injuries. 
If you already sued and the case is closed, then no. Likewise, if you entered into a settlement agreement and the other party complied with the... Read Answer

Slander?

Answered 10 years and 7 months ago by Mark Theodore Tischhauser (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
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Actually, it IS her business if your cat is peeing anywhere in the property, as you rent the property and don't own it. Its sounds like there is more to this than just the cat peeing issue and you need to be very cautious as a tenant to avoid this escalating into a controversy that leads to an eviction action or litigation. ... Read Answer
Actually, it IS her business if your cat is peeing anywhere in the property, as you rent the property and don't own it. Its sounds like there is more... Read Answer

Neighbors dog attacked my dog on my property

Answered 11 years and a month ago by attorney Stephen Arnold Black   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
Does your neighbor own his home or rent..? Did u have a fence surrounding your property after u were on notice that the dog was vicious? I would be happy to explore these issues and others  with you at no charge   Stephen Black
Does your neighbor own his home or rent..? Did u have a fence surrounding your property after u were on notice that the dog was vicious? I would be... Read Answer

Can my apartment make me get rid of my dog?

Answered 11 years and a month ago by Mark Theodore Tischhauser (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
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This is all going to revolve around what breed your dog actually is vs the paper work submitted. Unfortunately, some people with various breeds  "unwanted" by landlords go to absurd levels to keep their dogs in rental situations including false claims of "emotional support animals" and in some instances actually getting dishonest vets to go along with the charade. If your dog is such a mix, a report from a repuatable vet stating the vets opinion or dna test,  will be critical to support your position. A self designated county regisatration is not. What they can do is sue for eviction making you establish that the dog is what you claimed it to be, and a judge will decide who is right.... Read Answer
This is all going to revolve around what breed your dog actually is vs the paper work submitted. Unfortunately, some people with various breeds ... Read Answer

Can I be charged a crime?

Answered 11 years and 2 months ago by Mark Theodore Tischhauser (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
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I wont matter because if you are truly in fear for your life you will use your firearm as needed and deal with consequences later. If you mean...."can I claim such to avoid trouble because I really hate those dogs and want to make a point".......its rarely going to be a good thing.
I wont matter because if you are truly in fear for your life you will use your firearm as needed and deal with consequences later. If you... Read Answer

Is Lee County Animal Services Responsible for warning me that dog can become aggressive due to breed?

Answered 11 years and 3 months ago by Mark Theodore Tischhauser (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
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Noone is responsible for that. You have to educate yourself. If you have further questions, feel free to call out offices at 1-800-922-6442 for a FREE consultation.
Noone is responsible for that. You have to educate yourself. If you have further questions, feel free to call out offices at 1-800-922-6442 for a... Read Answer

I have 3 indoor/outside cats. My new next door neighbor hates cats. She said they went into her backyard which I'm sure they did since they previous

Answered 11 years and 4 months ago by Mark Theodore Tischhauser (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
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Unless there is a legal right you have for your animals to be on her property, its your job to control your cats or make the indoor only cats. So the answer is most likely yes.
Unless there is a legal right you have for your animals to be on her property, its your job to control your cats or make the indoor only cats. So the... Read Answer

I moved in with my mom 2 years ago with my cat and she was willingly feeding him. Now I have moved out and she won't let me take him.

Answered 11 years and 7 months ago by Mark Theodore Tischhauser (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
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You will likely end up spending thousands of dollars on lawyers to sue your mother for return of the cat if you can't work things out. If you are so inclinedyou might as well hire the lawyer now to address the issue. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact our office at 1-800-922-6442 for a FREE consultation.... Read Answer
You will likely end up spending thousands of dollars on lawyers to sue your mother for return of the cat if you can't work things out. If you are so... Read Answer

If I already went to mediation do i need to file a response to the claim before I have my hearing in front of the judge?

Answered 11 years and 7 months ago by Mark Theodore Tischhauser (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
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While it may seem excessive, you simply need to retain a lawyer to handle this for you. Its obvious that you don't know what you ae doing in the litigation process and this can have devastating results. Small claims is NOT the peoples court nor Judge Judy, its a formal proceeding with often very expensive results for all parties. If you have any questions or concerns, please call our office at 1-800-922-6442 for a FREE consultation.... Read Answer
While it may seem excessive, you simply need to retain a lawyer to handle this for you. Its obvious that you don't know what you ae doing in the... Read Answer

Can I sue my county for not doing their job?

Answered 11 years and 9 months ago by Mark Theodore Tischhauser (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
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Your two options are likely pursuing a Writ of Mandamus against the dog catcher or a nusiance lawsuit against each dog owner. Bigger issue is whether this is an important enough issue that you are willing to commit the thousands of dollars necessary to get such legal actions started. If not you may want to explore other options such as fencing your yard, using barrier bushes, etc. If you have further questions, please call our office at 1-800-922-6442 for a FREE consultation.... Read Answer
Your two options are likely pursuing a Writ of Mandamus against the dog catcher or a nusiance lawsuit against each dog owner. Bigger issue is whether... Read Answer

Is it legal for my HOA to tell me I have to keep my three outdoor domesticated cats on a leash or keep them indoors?

Answered 11 years and 9 months ago by Mark Theodore Tischhauser (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
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UNless cats become defined as something other than pets, the answer is likely yes. The bigger issue is are you willing to spend thousands of dollars challenging the HOA over the issue. If not, then you need to focus on compliance. If you have other questions, please fee free to contact our office at 1-800-922-6442 for a FREE consultation. ... Read Answer
UNless cats become defined as something other than pets, the answer is likely yes. The bigger issue is are you willing to spend thousands of dollars... Read Answer

Service animal illegally trained and trainer will not do anything more.

Answered 11 years and 11 months ago by Mark Theodore Tischhauser (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
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I am confused, as at best I both of you at fault. First, absent you having a disability that requires a recognized service animal the designation serves no purpose. That is, unless your intentions are to use the designation as an improper means to bring your dog in restricted places or to aovid rental pet restrictions, etc. Since your dog is now trained I am not sure why this issue is such a concern. As to the designation issue, you may well need to retain a lawyer to explore the standards at issue, as I am not sure that there is a requirement that you are disabled to have a dog trained as such any more than there are schools that train dogs as police dogs for civilan purposes including foreign language commands etc. If you have further questions, please feel free to call us at 1-800-922-6442 for a FREE consultation. ... Read Answer
I am confused, as at best I both of you at fault. First, absent you having a disability that requires a recognized service animal the designation... Read Answer

I purchased a puppy on Saturday. The owner wants the dog back. What are my rights?

Answered 11 years and 11 months ago by Mark Theodore Tischhauser (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
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The practical answer is to give the dog back and get your refund. While you may well have legal grounds to keep the puppy, you will likely spend more money and emotional expense dealing with the confrontation. If you have any further questions feel free to call 1-800-922-6442 for a FREE consultation.... Read Answer
The practical answer is to give the dog back and get your refund. While you may well have legal grounds to keep the puppy, you will likely spend more... Read Answer

I am being sued for a dog fight resulting inn the loss of the plantifs animal and they are asking for vet bill. what lawyer do i contact?

Answered 11 years and 11 months ago by Mark Theodore Tischhauser (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
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Any civil trial lawyer is a good start. If you have any further questions, we do offer FREE consultations. Just call our office at 1-800-922-6442.
Any civil trial lawyer is a good start. If you have any further questions, we do offer FREE consultations. Just call our office at 1-800-922-6442.

My service dog has twice been attacked by another dog in my neighborhood. What type of lawyer do I need?

Answered 12 years ago by Mark Theodore Tischhauser (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
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Charges and penalties would be State Attorney's Office or Code Enforcement/Animal Control. Civil claims for damages, any civil trial or injury lawyer. If you have further questions, feel free to contact us at 1-800-922-6442 for a FREE consultation.
Charges and penalties would be State Attorney's Office or Code Enforcement/Animal Control. Civil claims for damages, any civil trial or injury... Read Answer

Can my apartment complex make me get rid of my dog if it got into a fight with another dog on the complex?

Answered 12 years ago by Mark Theodore Tischhauser (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
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Depending on your lease terms and the facts, yes, quite possible. You will have to choose the dog or fighting with LL over an eviction in either event. Not sure what mutual responsibility you would have referenced the expected as the other person has no dog to get off the property at this point. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact our office at 1-800-922-6442 to schedule a FREE consultation.... Read Answer
Depending on your lease terms and the facts, yes, quite possible. You will have to choose the dog or fighting with LL over an eviction in either... Read Answer

Do I have any recourse? Seller slandering my name.

Answered 12 years ago by Mark Theodore Tischhauser (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
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There is no defamation case here as much a contract dispute. End all is that you made an agreement to pay a nominal amoutn of money and appear not to have done so for a signficant period of time. If she simply told the truth, that you did not pay her, or expressed opinion, about reason not to do business with you, these would also likely be protected as not defamatory. Best way to resolve the issue is to pay her what you agreed ASAP and hope she simply lets it go. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact our office at 1-800-922-6442 to schedule a FREE consultation.... Read Answer
There is no defamation case here as much a contract dispute. End all is that you made an agreement to pay a nominal amoutn of money and appear not to... Read Answer

What exactly do i need to show HOA for my service dog.

Answered 12 years ago by Mark Theodore Tischhauser (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
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Its possible that they may still have issue with a service dog that its deemed an "aggressive" breed. Much of this will depend on the nature and circumstances for the dog as a service animal. If its an emotional support animal, as opposed to a "seeing eye" dog,  for example, there will be a greater likelihood that a challenge to this may arise. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact our office at 1-800-922-6442 to schedule a FREE consultation.... Read Answer
Its possible that they may still have issue with a service dog that its deemed an "aggressive" breed. Much of this will depend on the nature and... Read Answer

Are we liable for dog bite?

Answered 12 years ago by Mark Theodore Tischhauser (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
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There are likely a variety of defenses here. You will need to hire a lawyer to defend the lawsuit if one has been filed as most of these issues are beyond the handling of the ordinary person. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact our office at 1-800-922-6442 to schedule a FREE consultation.... Read Answer
There are likely a variety of defenses here. You will need to hire a lawyer to defend the lawsuit if one has been filed as most of these issues are... Read Answer

Do I have any recourse? Seller slandering my name.

Answered 12 years ago by Mark Theodore Tischhauser (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
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There is a disconnect here that is problematic. Either you make "your living" selling birds and are just shining her on for $500.00 you dont want to pay after 7 months or ......you are living on less than $500.00 for 7 months,which is unlikely. Your priority should be to pay your obligation before anything else if you dont want your name ruined. This stated, this justifies NONE of what this other person has done and arguably she has violated Fla. Stat. 559.72. Bigger issue is whether she has any money to pay damages. If you have questions, you can always call our office for a FREE consultation. 1-800-922-6442.... Read Answer
There is a disconnect here that is problematic. Either you make "your living" selling birds and are just shining her on for $500.00 you dont want to... Read Answer

What can I do about my dogs death caused by improperly designed crate latch?

Answered 12 years and a month ago by Mark Theodore Tischhauser (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
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Not likely, unless you wanted to invest a substantial amount of money into legal fees and experts to address a claim of design defect. If you have questions, we do offer FREE consultations at 1-800-922-6442.
Not likely, unless you wanted to invest a substantial amount of money into legal fees and experts to address a claim of design defect. If you have... Read Answer

up to how much can my neighbor sue me for my pitbull biting her face

Answered 12 years and 2 months ago by Mark Theodore Tischhauser (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
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Depends on how much damage was done and the situation. Coulds range from thousands to millions. YOu need to actually hire a lawyer to address the issue if you have no insurance to cover this for you.
Depends on how much damage was done and the situation. Coulds range from thousands to millions. YOu need to actually hire a lawyer to address the... Read Answer

Dog Fight

Answered 12 years and 2 months ago by Mark Theodore Tischhauser (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
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You may need to work out a deal with her or hire a lawyer to do so. Otherwise you'll just have to ignore her and see what happens as to whether she files suit or not. The REAL issue is whose dog got out of the collar first?...if it was yours, you maybe at fault.
You may need to work out a deal with her or hire a lawyer to do so. Otherwise you'll just have to ignore her and see what happens as to whether she... Read Answer

My Shitzu bite a child on the lip when we were in front of their house looking to purchase an item in driveway

Answered 12 years and 3 months ago by Mark Theodore Tischhauser (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
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You have responsibility for any damages caused when your dog bites someone. If it happens off your property,you are likely not covered by homeowners insurance so you wouldhave to pay out ofpocket for damages and also for lawyer to defend you or handle the matter. You can call our office 1-800-922-6442 for FREE consultation on this issue if you would like. ... Read Answer
You have responsibility for any damages caused when your dog bites someone. If it happens off your property,you are likely not covered by homeowners... Read Answer