Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Connecticut

farmers and neighbors

I have a small farm (sheep, alpacas and two elderly horses). This farm is my main source of income, as I sell wool and wool products we produce. A neighbor is continuously complaining that my horses are unhealthy and underfed. Animal control has come down and said they looked fine. The vet has been on the farm for the camelids, and saw the horses as they are in the same barn, and had no concerns. I've had them go up to another larger horse farm, and they have looked them over very well, and found no issues in their health or weight. At what point does this womans complaints become harassement (the woman is a ''busy body'' and I both myself and the farmer I lease the barn from have never really gotten along with her). It is affecting the running of my farm and hurting my farm business, so I'd like to get this resolved so that I can get on with things. Thanks.


Asked on 9/17/08, 2:13 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Ruth Emily Kochard Ruth Emily Kochard, Counselor at Law

Re: farmers and neighbors

Based upon this summary of the facts, you may possibly have a tort action against this person. I would advise consulting directly with an attorney--at a minimum, a letter from an attorney indicating that a lawsuit will result if their unsubstantiated allegations do not cease, may be enough to resolve the problem.

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Answered on 9/17/08, 3:16 pm
Max Rosenberg Rosenberg,Whewell, & Hite, LLC

Re: farmers and neighbors

I agree with attorney Kochards remarks. I may be able to help you resolve this issue. There may be several causes of action. Please feel free to contact me 203.521.4915

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Answered on 9/17/08, 5:42 pm
Linda Subbloie Linda A. Subbloie, Esq.

Re: farmers and neighbors

It isn't clear from your posting whether this neighbor is telling other people that your animals are neglected. You did say it was hurting your business. In what way? You may have a cause of action for defamation and as part of that action would be a cease and desist stopping her from continuing the "nontruths" to others, if that is what is happening here.

I would need to know more, but if you decide to sue her or send her a letter telling her that if she doesn't stop a lawsuit will be filed, it's possible that she will just go away. (That's the hopeful conclusion)

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Answered on 9/17/08, 7:41 pm


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