Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania
Neighbors dog tresspassing on my property
What are my legal rights if my neighbors(2 houses down from mine) dogs come onto my property and attack my dog? If I harm their dog(s) in the act of harming mine, what can happen to me? I have addressed the issue with the dog owner 2 times already. My next move is to go to the authorities. I just wanted to know what would happen, if my dog is attacked before the authorities respond, and I either harm or (worse case scenario) kick the dog(s) and they die. Nothing has happened yet, I just wnt to know where I stand.
Thank You
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Neighbors dog tresspassing on my property
It depends. Generally a wandering dog is in as much trouble as the owner. If your dog is harmed then the owner of the strays is liable for all damages, which may also include more than just the book value of the dog.
My advice is to always report this to the authorities at the second incident. After the first incident speak to the neighbor. Self help is discouraged. In other words, don't harm the dogs unless your or your dog's life is in imminent danger.
The authorities will on the first occasion pay a visit to the neighbor. On subsequent visits the neighbor may be ticketed or even recieve a summons. You should be prepared to document any incursion by the dogs. Have a camera ready, video or film is best. A digital still camera is less good, but acceptable. Make certain that the camera will display a date and time code on the image.
There are various websites available to tell you exactly how to go about breaking up a dog fight.
Good luck.
Roger Traversa
Arjont.com
Re: Neighbors dog tresspassing on my property
You can either call the dog warden or the police to make a report...if your dog was injured or you lost property due to these events you could alway sue your neighbor.
Contact my office for more information...@ 412.731.0865.
Sincerely,
Marc V. Taiani, Esquire
AAAL - Allegheny Attorneys At Law
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