Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Pennsylvania

Best Solution to Neighbor Problem?

About 2 months ago dogs from a middle class house that I run by daily started to run into the street after me. The first time I almost ran into traffic. Last week the dogs ran after me while the home owner was outside but they said nothing. Yesterday the dogs ran after me and I yelled out to the owner ''The next time I am calling the police about your dogs''. The owner said nothing but 2 minutes later a car pulled up along side of me and the guy says ''You got a problem buddy?. Did my dogs bite you? Did they bite you? He drove away and came back again 1 minute later saying ''You better drop the police bit. You better run somewhere else. What's your name. Where do you live''. This really scared me as no home owner I know would talk like that (most would apologize). Plus in my area a neighbor recently beat another neighbor over a much smaller issue.

I could change the route I run on but still this guy will see me on the local roads as I run 5 miles daily. I'm scared. I just want peace in the community. The guy should keep the dogs on his property.

I love the route I run on and I do not want to change it (for more cars too). I do not want to be bullied. I feel my rights are being violated. What would be the best solution?


Asked on 6/21/07, 11:41 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Daniel Cevallos Cevallos & Wong, LLP

Re: Best Solution to Neighbor Problem?

I already responded to this question. Did you not like the answer? You need to paper the file with a letter to this person explaining what happened, notifying them that you feel their dogs are dangerous (very important), and that you will contunue to lawfully use the streets. Then, when they give you a hard time, we can help you file a restraining order, private criminal complaint, etc.

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Answered on 6/22/07, 8:47 am
Alan Wagner Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore P.A.

Re: Best Solution to Neighbor Problem?

I think in general Dan is correct.

The safest thing is to just change your route and avoid the nutball. You can get a restraining order and you can, eceb noe, call animal control (not the police) about the unleashed dog that runs after you.

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Answered on 6/22/07, 9:11 am


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