could i sue animal control as well?

Question

recently there has been a pitbull loose in my neighborhood..i've called animal control on it three times..this dog has attacked my dog that is chained...animal control seems to not be doing their job..after the attack i called and they said they would look for the dog.even though they know who he belongs to. They go around the neighborhood once then leave. just this weekend the dog was loose saturday at 6am, then sunday at 7 am with a boxer snd then later in the day with atleast 5 other dogs..couldnt call animal control then because they dont work weekends..just had to run the dogs off..if something bad happens to my dog like a death i plan on sueing the owner of the pit, but would i also be able to sue animal control?

no sueing wont bring him back but it would open animal controls eyes to do a better job

the thing that gets me is Animal control know who he belongs too, they've had problems with this dog before..so why arent they going to the owners?
Oh and the only reason Champ in on a chain is because we are renting right now and not allowed to bring him inside and they wont allow us to put up a fence..thankfully we're moving in few months.

animal control in ran by the police department here..so the police know..they have been called to our house too about this dog..he said there is nothing he could do but try to locate the dog, even though he could catch it or anything..this was a Saturday that animal control wasnt working.

Answer 1

No..you can but you wont win. They can only do so much. If they cant find it then they cant do anything. I don't mean to sound preachy but putting a dog on a chain is in invitation for trouble.

Answer 2

You dont know what measure animal control is doing to catch this dog.If the dog is no where in site when they come out and if they get repeated complaints about the dog then they will send the owner a letter saying that there has been complaints and if the dog is caught roaming the streets then they will face fines.Until they see the dog loose there is really nothing they can do about it.You cant say they are not coming out because Im sure you are not at the window 24/7 looking to see if they are driving around looking for the dog.As a responsible pet owner you should put a fence up to keep other animals from harming your dog.So no you can not sue them and it will be hard to prove who owns the dog.Do you really think if the pitt attacks and kills your dog that the pitts owner will say thats their dog?Um.....Nope.

Answer 3

Wow, I don't know if you would be able to sue them or not but if I were you I would keep detailed records of the dates of every incedent, when you called animal control, who you spoke to, what was said and how they said they would resolve the problem. I would keep your dog inside if possible since I wouldn't think you would want to lose him just to prove a point and I would ask a lawyer, should anything happen. If you are just after money, I don't know if you would legally be able to sue or not but if it's to make a difference then you can make sure you get the persons name every time you call and mention that you are keeping track of every incidence. If the person on the other end has any brain at all they will wonder why you are keeping track and be wondering the same question you asked and maybe you will then finally see some results without having to jeopardize your dog to do it. Good luck, I wish I could find out what happens.

Answer 4

Trying to sue a government agency will only cost you lots of money. Plus it would be so drawn out that it could last for years.

I would be the squeeky wheel and call animal control EVERYTIME you see the dog out. The phone calls creat a log and everytime you call your call will be logged. Be a real pest!!!
If there is some way you can lock the dog in your yard and then call animal control or if you can tie him in your yard and call. Do what ever is necessary so that you are not put on the back burner to be followed up later. Make it a big issue NOW.

You can tell the cops or animal control that you had to do something cause this particular dog is allowed to roam and has attacked your dog before and you did what you thought cause you did not want to see it dead in the streets and to prevent another attack on your dog.

Don't be passive, get nasty, make the issue BIG. NOW.

Answer 5

Can you ask Animal Control if next time he attacks something, you are allowed to shoot and kill it? Sounds cruel, and may not be something you could do, but it might shake up the lazy butts. I think it is a good idea to threaten to sue them if anything, or anyone else is harmed by this dog, pointing out that this is ongoing, recorded and affects more than just you. Maybe a little anger and righteous indignation is called for at this point.

Can you take video of this dog at the owners home? Can you come up with proof of all the stuff taking place? I would record everything and let it be known that you are doing this. It will upset some folks but it might get them moving as well.

Answer 6

Call the police AND Animal Control. Turn in the owner. Police are available 24/7.

Edit:
Document your calls and the attack. Have a vet document that your dog has dog bites. Take pictures of the dog running loose (from your house). Invest in a chain link 10x10x6 portable dog pen. Your dog right now is a tied target.

Answer 7

you could try and i would. i have a pitbull. he has gotten into a fight defending me, and they will fight to the death. you having your dog on a chain does not invite another dog to attack it, especially if it is in your yard. i dont care if your dog is sitting on the front porch, it does not give any dog or human for that matter the right to mess with it. generally in my neighborhood, if you say pitbull, the cops will come. i had two male pits. one we got as a puppy, one was already 1 years old. the 1 year old attacked me when we were going for a walk. my other dog attacked him in my defense. the neighbors on that block came out to help and since animal control was not operating, the police came and took the dog. so if you really feel threatened call your local police and tell them the situation, if they still dont do anything, then do everything in your power to make people realize what happened(hopefully nothing does) and why. good luck

Answer 8

Animal Control doesn't do much about strays in our area either.

With you renting and not able to put up any sort of "permanent" fencing, you might want to consider a 10'x10' chain link kennel. It's better for your dog all around apposed to being out in the open and on a chain.

Answer 9

You could call the police. If the dog attacked your dog especially. All they can really do is fine the owners. Talk to the police and animal control both and inform them of your concerns and your pending law suit against them. The dog should have been picked up by now and taken away. They have the authority to go to people's houses if the dog is continuously getting lose and posing a threat.

Call a lawyer in your area.. I think you might have a case.

Good Luck

Answer 10

You shouldn't be leaving your dog chained outside. Your dog could get tangled up and hurt itself and leaving dogs unattended and chained out makes them more aggressive. And particularly if you deem there is a dangerous dog running around the neighborhood why would you continue to leave your dog chained up outside and open to attack??!!

Calling animal control is a good idea but you've got to be responsible for yourself too...don't leave your dog outside if you think harm will come to it.