Applying for Jobs with a Criminal Record: Know Your Rights

When Your Neighbor's Pets Run Wild

14 June 2016

Michelle Garrett

You may be the biggest dog or cat lover on your street. In fact, you may plan to retire with twenty cats and ten dogs. That doesn't mean that you enjoy having your neighbor's pets run wild in the neighborhood. In fact, the pets are in more danger than your children and your lawn. You do have several options to deal with this problem in a way that protects both you and the pets.

Communication

If you have a decent relationship with your neighbor, try discussing your concerns with them directly. Although you hate to have your lawn covered with pet excrement, loose pets pose bigger concerns. Your pets and your children could be in danger if the loose dog is aggressive. Even if the dog or cat is friendly, they can agitate your pets. No one wants to hear noisy pet reactions all day long. Also, the loose pets themselves are in danger. They can easily be run over in the driveway or the road. They can also become lost or overcome by the heat or cold. If you approach the topic from the angle of protecting the neighbor's pets, they may be more receptive.

Animal Control

If the problem continues, you should call animal control officers in your area. They will find the pet, take it to a shelter, and contact the owner. The pet will be safe, and a warning from the authorities may be the wake up call your neighbors need. The possible fine they will receive can also be a strong incentive to change their ways. 

Legal Steps

You may have a small claims court case if the neighbor's dog or cat disturbs the peace or harms your yard. If the neighbor's pet bites you, however, you may have a civil case, particularly if the owners are ignoring a leash law. A dog bite can cause you pain and suffering as well as lost work time. In some instances, you will be physically and emotionally scarred. Careless pet owners are responsible for the damage that their pets do. If you fall victim to your neighbor's pets, you should seek the advice of a personal injury lawyer from a firm like Gomez May LLP. 

Loose pets are a danger to themselves and sometimes to others. You should always try to keep a cordial relationship with your neighbors, but if talking doesn't work, you need to take action, including calling the animal control people and seeking legal advice when necessary. 

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