Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Pennsylvania

Dog Problem

I run on a beautiful route every day. About 2 months ago dogs from a house on the route chased after me on the road. Last week the dogs ran after me nearly causing me to run into traffic and the owner who was standing outside said nothing. Yesterday I passed the house and the dogs came running out. The owner was out again and I yelled ''I will call the police the next time your dogs chase me''. Owner says nothing. About 2 minutes later the owner pulls up in a car and starts saying ''You got a problem buddy? Did my dogs bite you? You better drop the police bit. You better find another road to run on''. He drove off and then came back and starting telling me that I was the problem. This guy scares me. What he was sasying is not what a good neighbor should say. I do not want to change my route as there are no safe altenative routes near my house. What should I do?


Asked on 6/21/07, 3:36 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
John Gibson John W. Gibson, Esquire

Re: Dog Problem

Assuming that it is a public road in a surburban or non-rural area I think you have a right to complain to proper municipal authorities, for example the local dog catcher if there is one. However if this is a private road you are trespassing and he is within his rights to prevent you from using it. If it is a rural area, then even if it is a public road, you may be wise to let the issue go.

Read more
Answered on 6/21/07, 9:33 am
Richard Teitell Richard K. Teitell, Esquire, P.C.

Re: Dog Problem

Call the police. If this is a public road it's a violation of the PA Dog Law to allow the dog to chase people.

Read more
Answered on 6/21/07, 5:04 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More General Civil Litigation questions and answers in Pennsylvania