Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

Dog attack

Our toy poodle was on our side of the wood slat fence

She put her paw in the slat and the Lab next door on his side of the fence bit her paw and bit her mouth, pulling her more to his side of the fence leaving her to struggle to get out. She was stuck and we had to remove her. We rushed her to the vet and she had a broken paw with a puncher wound, severe swelling all over her front leg, broken interior jaw, and gashes under her mouth. With all of these injuries, it will cost us roughly $650 before she is completely healed. Should they be liable for at least half? Should they be responsible, because they have a big dog, to take all the precausions to keep the dog from biting? Thank you.


Asked on 2/17/00, 2:01 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Hayes The John Hayes Law Offices

Re: Dog attack

I would write your neighbors a letter informing them what their dog did and request that they pay the vet bill. See what they say. If they refuse take them to small claims court. It only costs about $50 and if you win you may be able to recover court fees. The worst thing that happens is you lose and pay the bills anyway. Hopefully, they are responsible pet owners and pay the bills. Your dog was in your yard when it was attacked so it is not like your dog was intruding on their property. Good luck.

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Answered on 2/23/00, 3:43 am


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