Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Pennsylvania

Re: Dog fine

Those fees are not normal for anyplace and by accepting them noiselessly we allow the government to keep on putting it to us again and again.

As to your situation, you will have to pay the fees. Think of it as a tax on owning a dog. Sort of like parking in the wrong space and findning not only do you have a ticket but also have to pay towing and storage fees.

Pay the fee, then write nasty letters to the mayor and the editor of the local paper. Put those letters aside for a week. If you are stilled irritated at the end of that week, send the letters.

And hey, be glad you got you dog back. You know you missed him and were worried when he wasn't around.

Regards,

Roger Traversa

email: [email protected]

Re: Dog fine

You apparently violated some local ordinance. These normally provide for a particular amount for a maximum fine. It is up to the magisterial district judge to determine the fine if you are found guilty. If you plead guilty, then you accept the fine that the police wrote on the citation.

As for the other fees, they are reimbursement for actual costs. If you think that the town you live in should deal with stray dogs some other way, or let them run around, then tell your council and mayor that and ask them to change the law.