Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Massachusetts

Cat- Dog Fight are we responsible?

When our lessee?s first looked at the apartment they asked if we accepted dogs. I told them if the animals got along with our dog it was ok with us.They wrote they had a dog, 2 indoor cats and a fish tank.(They also have 2 ferrets). They have been here for 6 months and the cats have never been outside. Recently they let the cat out while at work for 9 hours. After returning from work I let my dog out to run (we have no leash law and own 2 acres) I heard a noise and went out to check. I saw my dog in the woods just off our property and called him to come. He came and I saw he was bleeding pretty good from his ear, nose and lip. After checking my dog, I went to check the other animal. I saw a cat near their door. It was walking and looked a little freaked but ok. When they came home I went to tell her that her cat and my dog had a runin and she might want to check him out. Around 10:00 pm she called to say the cat had a puncture wound and she was going to the vet in the am?The cat needs an operation and she wants money from us we said we are not responsible. We do not have the money. And we already let them apply their last months rent to this month to help them out. Are we legally responsible???


Asked on 6/29/02, 6:53 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lawrence Graves Coolidge & Graves PLLC

Re: Cat- Dog Fight are we responsible?

I don't see a clean claim of liability against you, so I would advise against paying anything. Let this one go to small claims court if they choose to pursue it.

Best wishes,

LDWG

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Answered on 7/02/02, 3:57 pm


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