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346 legal questions have been posted about animal law by real users. 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.
Animal Questions & Legal Answers - Page 6
Do you have any Animal questions page 6 and need some legal advice or guidance? Ask a Lawyer to get an answer or read through our 346 previously answered Animal questions.
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Recent Legal Answers

Can I sue a Breeder for not refunding the cost of a puppy that has now been diagnosed with joint disease at 9 months old.

Answered 8 years and 3 months ago by attorney Mark Tischhauser, Esq.   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
You will need to ask a Georgia lawyer. 
You will need to ask a Georgia lawyer. 

Can I sue a commercial cat breeder?

Answered 8 years and 3 months ago by attorney Mark Tischhauser, Esq.   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
Sure. Its possible if you want to spend the money on legal fees making the effort. There are several issues that can be addressed including the breeder statute requirements. 
Sure. Its possible if you want to spend the money on legal fees making the effort. There are several issues that can be addressed including the... Read More

Can I sue emergency vet hospital for misdiagnosis

Answered 8 years and 3 months ago by attorney Mark Tischhauser, Esq.   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
No. There are no real damages here. This is also simply what occurs when you have emergency late night care and quibble about the expense. They will claim they wanted to do proper testing but you squawked about the expense so they did what they could. You can file a complaint with the vet board and they can deal with the professional propriety of it all but there is no finanically viable civil case here. ... Read More
No. There are no real damages here. This is also simply what occurs when you have emergency late night care and quibble about the expense. They will... Read More

In Castalian Springs TN there is not a barking dog ordinance

Answered 8 years and 3 months ago by Patrick Johnson (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
You can hire an attorney to file suit in court to find that the barking dogs are a nuisance and the court will order that they be removed.
You can hire an attorney to file suit in court to find that the barking dogs are a nuisance and the court will order that they be removed.

I need a lawyer who handles veterinarian malpractice cases in largo fl

Answered 8 years and 3 months ago by attorney Mark Tischhauser, Esq.   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
Those facts in and of themselves are not a basis for any type of legal claim. You will need to show that the Vet acted improperly and caused the animals death. Unfortunately, such cases ae typically not handled on a contingent fee by most lawyers so you will likely be paying out of pocket for legal fees to prosecute such a case. On a positive note, if there are substantial damages, this can actually be a financil benefit if the defendants settle the claim early. ... Read More
Those facts in and of themselves are not a basis for any type of legal claim. You will need to show that the Vet acted improperly and caused the... Read More

My question is does someone have the right to tell you that you cannot take an emotional dog into a office after you've been going there for 3 years

Answered 8 years and 3 months ago by attorney Mark Tischhauser, Esq.   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
Yes. It depends on the issues and why, but if the dog is disruptive or causing issues its possible. 
Yes. It depends on the issues and why, but if the dog is disruptive or causing issues its possible. 

Neighbor dispute

Answered 8 years and 3 months ago by attorney Mark Tischhauser, Esq.   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
This is a Hatfields vs. McCoys case. You will need to spend the money to retain a lawyer to address this and do so ASAP.
This is a Hatfields vs. McCoys case. You will need to spend the money to retain a lawyer to address this and do so ASAP.

Paying for vet fees for sick puppy from breeder

Answered 8 years and 4 months ago by Patrick Johnson (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
Ask her and if she says no, then you can sue her.
Ask her and if she says no, then you can sue her.

Can a person with a health disability who needs the help of a Service Dog have access to the Private Property of a Gated Golf Course Community?

Answered 8 years and 4 months ago by attorney Mark Tischhauser, Esq.   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
Sure - you can present anything you want. The REAL issue is whether being "off leash" is necessary to provide the service needed, regardless of its training otherwise. Its an interesting question I havent seen addressed directly as it doesn't seem they are saying you can't have the animal with you. ... Read More
Sure - you can present anything you want. The REAL issue is whether being "off leash" is necessary to provide the service needed, regardless of its... Read More

What do I need to do to sue the person claiming my dog bit them when 1. My dog was inside 2. This person is not welcome in my home, much less my stoop

Answered 8 years and 5 months ago by attorney Mark Tischhauser, Esq.   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
This is likely a malicious prosecution/abuse of process type case. You will need to hire a lawyer at some expense to pursue such an issue effectively. 
This is likely a malicious prosecution/abuse of process type case. You will need to hire a lawyer at some expense to pursue such an issue... Read More

my boyfriend and I split and both want the dog.

Answered 8 years and 5 months ago by attorney Lori Nevias   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
Courts take these cases seriously. You can sue for custody of your dog. In addition to proving that you paid for all the dog's expenses, you need to prove you're the better person to take care of the dog due to the amount of time you spend with the dog, the quality of the living space the dog has with you, etc. The court will hold a hearing and make the decision based on "the best interests of everyone involved."... Read More
Courts take these cases seriously. You can sue for custody of your dog. In addition to proving that you paid for all the dog's expenses, you need to... Read More

What can be done for my 11yo dog who went in for a tooth biopsy and they made an incision thinking she was to be spayed.

Answered 8 years and 5 months ago by attorney Mark Tischhauser, Esq.   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
Unless the belly incision was subtantial, and some significant damages caused, there is no viable civil case here. Not sure what the recvoery issue is related to otherwise, but your first step is to contact the vet ASAP if there any issues of concern, not lawyers. 
Unless the belly incision was subtantial, and some significant damages caused, there is no viable civil case here. Not sure what the recvoery issue... Read More

I was given a dog almost 2 months ago and now they want her back

Answered 8 years and 5 months ago by attorney Mark Tischhauser, Esq.   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
This is a classic issue of possession being 9/10 of the law. If you can resolve this  - one side or the other may need to file suit. 
This is a classic issue of possession being 9/10 of the law. If you can resolve this  - one side or the other may need to file suit. 

A dog killed my dog while I was walking them

Answered 8 years and 5 months ago by attorney Mark Tischhauser, Esq.   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
There may be a claim here depending on the facts. 
There may be a claim here depending on the facts. 

Can i sue the training facility.

Answered 8 years and 5 months ago by attorney Mark Tischhauser, Esq.   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
Depends on the issue with the "holein the fence" and what "playing outside" entails. If your dog was improperly unsecured and got into some other area - you can sue but not likely successfully or in a financially viable fashion. If they had control over your dog and were negligent in handling him or maintainng a secure area such as a dog run, then probably yes. ... Read More
Depends on the issue with the "holein the fence" and what "playing outside" entails. If your dog was improperly unsecured and got into some other... Read More

What do I do when they want their gift back?

Answered 8 years and 5 months ago by attorney Hon. Max L Rosenberg   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
From the limited amount of information provided, it sounds as though you have a good case to keep the animal.
From the limited amount of information provided, it sounds as though you have a good case to keep the animal.

Son left for college. Asked mom to keep his dog. Mom went on business trip and when other two kids went to their dads asked him to also watch

Answered 8 years and 5 months ago by attorney Mark Tischhauser, Esq.   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
"I have grown to love this dog."...Seriously? in what is described as about one week? This has ALL of the trappings of a divorced parent "competiton" issue where the dog is but a weapon in an arsenal of ongoing controversy between the parents.  Bottom line is its not Dad's dog and presumably its still the son's dog, with mom taking care of it while away at college. Properly the dog should be returned to Mom to care for while son is away, absent the son saying different ... Read More
"I have grown to love this dog."...Seriously? in what is described as about one week? This has ALL of the trappings of a divorced parent "competiton"... Read More

power line fell I reported it they didn't fix the whole line next am it killed my dog do I have a case?

Answered 8 years and 5 months ago by attorney Mark Tischhauser, Esq.   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
Nope - it was up to you to control your animal especially since you were aware of the downed power line. 
Nope - it was up to you to control your animal especially since you were aware of the downed power line. 

Can I take my neighbor to court for vet bill payment?

Answered 8 years and 5 months ago by Patrick Johnson (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
Yes you can take her to court. You would need to prove that she knew her dog was a danger to your dog.
Yes you can take her to court. You would need to prove that she knew her dog was a danger to your dog.

My small Yorkie dog was brutal attack by two pitbulls that live just a couple of houses down from me. Can I sue the owners

Answered 8 years and 6 months ago by attorney Mark Tischhauser, Esq.   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
Yes - but unfortunately such cases are typically not covered by insurance and are NOT contingent fee cases, but rather hourly rate/retainer cases if they are to be pursued. 
Yes - but unfortunately such cases are typically not covered by insurance and are NOT contingent fee cases, but rather hourly rate/retainer cases if... Read More

My son & his girlfriend broke up. She wants full custody of the dog. What type of lawyer would he need need?

Answered 8 years and 6 months ago by attorney Lori Nevias   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
Animal custody cases can be brought in District, City, Village or Supreme Courts. If your son's ex girlfriend sues for custody, there will be a hearing, and the judge will hear evidence and testimony and the decision will be made based on the best interests of everyone involved. The court takes into account who spends the most time with the dog, who's paid vet bills, who has a place that's most comfortable for the dog, etc.  Sometimes the court awards joint custody, depending on the facts of the case. ... Read More
Animal custody cases can be brought in District, City, Village or Supreme Courts. If your son's ex girlfriend sues for custody, there will be a... Read More

Is there recourse in a situation of a tenant with a dog that has been attacked by the landlord's rottweiller and pitbull dogs needing stitches

Answered 8 years and 6 months ago by attorney Hon. Max L Rosenberg   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
Yes, you can contact animal control.
Yes, you can contact animal control.

Am I liable if one neighbor's loose dog bites someone else's child on my property?

Answered 8 years and 6 months ago by attorney Mark Tischhauser, Esq.   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
Not on the facts presented - BUT - since you had prior knowledge of the dogs propensity depending on ALL of the facts when review - there might be an argument that you were negligent in some fashion or manor. 
Not on the facts presented - BUT - since you had prior knowledge of the dogs propensity depending on ALL of the facts when review - there might be an... Read More

I was out of town for a funeral. When I came home I ha notice on my door saying they took my animals for neglect. Not true. What do I need to do?

Answered 8 years and 6 months ago by Patrick Johnson (Unclaimed Profile)   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
Contact whoever took your animals and speak with them.
Contact whoever took your animals and speak with them.

What type of lawyer do I need?

Answered 8 years and 7 months ago by attorney Hon. Max L Rosenberg   |   1 Answer   |  Legal Topics: Animal
I would suggest filing in Small Claims Court.  Any contract litigator should be able to assist you.  It sounds like fraud and breach of contract.  Please contact me if you would like further assistance in this matter.
I would suggest filing in Small Claims Court.  Any contract litigator should be able to assist you.  It sounds like fraud and breach of... Read More
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