Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

My pet kitty was sitting on our front porch and was mauled to death by our neighbor's two dogs who were running loose. They came up to our house and grabbed our family pet off our front porch and dragged her throughout the yard mauling her until she died. My two young daughters (age 5 and 11) witnessed the vicious attack and have been having nightmares and have been traumatized as have I and my husband. We are horrified that this has happened. The police were called out as well as the animal control officers. Evidentially this is not the first time these two dogs have gotten out of the neighbors back yard had brutalized the neighborhood. What recourse do we have?


Asked on 10/30/10, 1:09 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Michael Isaac Shokrian Law Offices of Michael Isaac Shokrian, APLC

If this is not the first time and the dogs have a history, you likely have a civil damage claim against the neighbors.

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Answered on 11/04/10, 1:29 pm
Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

In addition to what my colleague suggests, the children might also have claims. You or some other adult would be appointed by the court to act on their behalf for a lawsuit. I'm sorry to hear about this trauma, especially for the kids, and the loss of your pet.

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Answered on 11/04/10, 1:46 pm

I agree with the other attorneys that a lawsuit is in order on behalf of your daughters. In addition, take a look at the California Vicious Dog Law, beginning at section 31601 of the Food and Agriculture Code, and demand that Animal Control enforce it.

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Answered on 11/04/10, 3:40 pm


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