A stray dog has been hanging around my house. I have placed an ad in the paper and tacked up a couple of notices (with no response). I place a little food and water out for him each day, but already have two house dogs and don't want another. He is very unnattractive, and I am afraid a shelter would just euthanize him.
I don't mind him hanging about, but wonder if I would have any legal liability should he ever bite anyone? (This is doubtful, he is pretty sweet).
2006-12-17 06:45:51 · 5 answers · asked by 13th Floor 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
When he first showed up, he had an extremely tight belt looped around his neck.
So, either he had been lost for a long time, or else had ignorant owners. I would claim him, but honestly feel that the two dogs I already have is my limit on yearly vet bills.
Plus, knowing their temperament, they would be very jealous of another male dog in the house.
2006-12-17 07:25:38 · update #1
By feeding the dog, you are encouraging it to remain on/near your property. This could be enough to support a claim of liability against you. I suspect the law is not vary clear in this area. Personally, I would recommend not feeding the dog unless you are willing to assume responsibility for the dog.
2006-12-17 07:55:34 · answer #1 · answered by STEVEN F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You wouldn't have any liability unless the bitten could convince the trier of fact it is your dog. Leaving food and water for him every day would tip in their favor. Some states have the "one free bite" rule, which means you can't be held liable unless you know of the dog's dangerous propensities. Other states have strict liablity, meaning if it's your dog, you pay...which I think is the morally right thing to do...
Bring the dog to the vet...at least to get shots and spayed if he already isn't
2006-12-17 14:55:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its noble of you to feed and water him/her, but you aren't doing it a favor. The sooner you call an animal shelter the better; they can offer the little guy veterinarian care, a warm/safe place to rest and can put him/her back together with their family who is most likely heartbroken.
Sounds like the little thing had to have come from a caring home if it is loving. A lot of shelters do not put animals down until they have exhausted every avenue and even then, they fight to find it a home.
2006-12-17 14:52:48 · answer #3 · answered by OPTIMIST 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. If you feed the dog, then the authorities consider you its owner.
Also, if you take it to the county run animal shelter, there is something you should know. If you tell them that you have fed it at all, they will probably require you to pay a significant fee before they will take it off of your hands. That is the way it is in my neck of the woods.
2006-12-17 14:53:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The dog thinks he belongs to you since you have been its provider, and in the eyes of the law (many states vary), you are providing for the dogs welfare, thus making it your responsiblity????
2006-12-17 15:15:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋