Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Illinois

My sisters dog was attacked by my neighbors pitbull. She had to take him to the animal hospital he had four puncture wounds and her bill was two hundred dollars. Prior to this incident my dog was attacked by the pitbull but was not hurt. I notified the landlord she told me to call the police next time. We did when my sisters dog was attacked but they said since it was a fenced in yard the landlord had to take care of the issue. My sisters dog was on a lease and my dog was on a leash when both incidents happened. The pitbull was not on a leash both times. Can you tell me who is responsible to pay the vet bill?


Asked on 1/12/12, 5:17 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Stephen Messutta

The owner of the pit bull should take care of the vet bill, but don't expect cooperation. If I am reading this correctly, however, you're saying both dogs share the same yard? If the landlord allows pets, there should be a rule that whenever in the yard the dog must be on a leash, and the landlord should impose this on all tenants. If you want to get into a big fight with your landlord, you can tell the landlord that since the pit bull attacked a second time, the landlord was on notice and having done nothing about it, could be liable too.......but I don't think you want to go there.....Finding a place that allows pets can be sticky.

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Answered on 1/12/12, 7:32 am


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