What my neighbors legal responsiblity is for damages done by my property in the country?

Question

I moved into a double wide mobile home in sept 06, soon there after 3 dogs kept coming to my house i asked my landlord who they belonged to he said neighbor two door down. I left her a note that said that her dogs keep barking at my house overnight she agreed to keep them indoors at night. One day, i heard alot of barking i went underneath there to find two of her dogs ripping this poor cat to pieces. I sent another note to her with no reply, well in january i received one of my electric bills, and it was over 500 dollars omg i thought i would freak, i went to the electric company and they heard of this before, that a dog had gone under the mobile home and pulled down the heating coil to keep warm, and they also informed me i was heading for another big bill well i went down there and sure enough thats what happened. I sent another letter to her stating what she owed for for the additional electric bill. Do i have the right to sue her, i live in arkansas now?

I live out in the country (no animal control) plus i moved from there because of the electric bill being so high, And i did see the dogs rip up my cat and i have pictures of the dogs being around all the time. Now does anyone have any legal advise for me, I am a criminologist myself but would like other intelligent imput on this case.

Answer 1

Since you can't really prove it was her dogs (Unless you or someone else saw them do it) - It could've also been a wild animal...I don't think you have a legal claim.

It sounds like you need to put up a small fence around the bottom of your home to keep animals from going under it.

Answer 2

I don't think ANYONE here can answer that question. Contact a lawyer w/ free consulations and discuss this matter with him. You're able to prove the dogs have been there - with digging marks and if they left any fur.

Also I'd check to see if there is a leash law in Arkansas. If there is the lady will have her dogs taken away or at least fined.

I know in VA if a dog had killed any living animal they would quarantine the dog. If the dog showed any other signs of aggression it would be euthanized.

I don't wish this on any animal but this is the fault of an irresponsible owner. And what if it wasn't a cat but a small dog, or a child that tried to pet the dog?!

Call a lawyer, talk to the police and talk to the ASPCA.

Good Luck

Answer 3

You need to start documenting these problems with your neighbor's dogs. I don't live in Arkansas, but as far as I know, every state in the Union has a dog leash law.

Secondly, you are foremost responsible for the upkeep and protection of your own property. There are plenty of ways to ensure that the underside of your trailer is secure, and you should because skunks, raccoons, possums and any number of other pests like to nest in dark places, especially if their is a heat source they can get to.

The next time the dogs are out, call the police and file a report. Every subsequent episode, do the same. Make sure you have the record document number of the report, and keep a file with all incidents described in detail including the date.

You may not be able to sue with any success at this juncture as you have no proof. However, if you begin to document these incidents, you may have a future case.

It would be wise to consult with an attorney as to what you may be able to do as far as making your neighbors responsible for their dog's behavior. Good luck.

Answer 4

well not really since you did not see her dogs do this . here is a solution though . Go to the feed store and get some wire underpinning for your mobile home . tell the feedstore employee is happening and they will be glad to advise you on what type of fencing you will want to use and find someone to help you put it up it can be time consuming . Also if those dogs keep causing problems for you ,if they are not vicious catch them ,tie them up and call animal control in your area and let animal control know where they came from and they will fine her and seize the dogs if neccessary and you might want to mention the fact that you saw these dogs ripping up a cat already. If this were my property I would not hesitate to do this . good luck and I hope I helped.

Answer 5

Unless you have pictures, you really have no proof that it was the dogs fault, and you need proof to sue. You can try contacting an attorney, but I think it would be a waste of time.

The next time you see the animals roaming, near your trailer or out and about unattended, call animal control & have them picked up. If she gets them back, call again the next time you see them, etc. Keep calling - eventually she'll either get the hint or animal control will take possession of the dogs.

Answer 6

Your getting legal advice on Yahoo!??? Check with a local attorney and bring any neighborhood rules/covenants with you. Call the humane society about the dogs attacking the cat. They may be able to remove the dogs.

Answer 7

the next time the dogs are on your property call animal control and get them to come and get the dogs. then she will have to go to the pound to get them back. also call a lawyer and ask them if you have legal rights to collect money.

Answer 8

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IS SEND HER A NOTARIZE LETTER INFORMING HER TO KEEP HER DOGS WHERE THEY BELONG THAN CALL ANIMAL CONTROL TO SEE WHAT ELSE TO DO.IF YOU HAVE TO PUT A CAMERA OUT THERE TO FILM THEM DO IT.THAN YOU WOULD HAVE ALL THE PROOF YOU NEED .IF THEY ARE ATTACKING OTHER PET ANIMALS THAN THEY SHOULD BE PUT DOWN THEY COULD GO AFTER YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE. CALL THE POLICE IF YOU HAVE TO.

Answer 9

Call the police and file a report!!

If she is going to have pets, she must be a responsible pet owner!!

Answer 10

yes , that woman is responsible for whats happenin take this person to the police .