My neighbor, who apparently has no job or hobby, has decided to continually spy on me and my two children and has apparently made it her aim to get us removed from our house. We are very quiet and law abiding, but she is continually harassing us by complaining to the homeowner's assoc of our rented condo. This newest thing is now she is calling the humane society on me every chance and telling them I am abusing (!) our elderly blind dog. She flat-out lied and told them the dog is left by herself with no food shade or water and has written me notes saying I am engaging in animal cruelty. It is sad since our dog basically just snoozes on the porch when she likes, and has open access to the house all day from the back porch. I am scared she is going to make up something to child services next at this rate. Every time my son cries, I am fearful she is going to take it to the next level of harassment. What should I do? Can I seek a restraining order?
2007-07-09 05:57:46 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
By the way, my mother watches my two children all day, and the dog is never left unattended.
I am scared the animal services are going to keep believing her and take our dog away from us. She is old and very loved, and would certainly be put down if she was taken away.
2007-07-09 05:59:33 · update #1
start by talking to the neighbor and find out why they want you out. take a hidden recording device with you though to record any incriminating remarks. then the next time they call the law on you, play the recording for the officers, remember to keep a copy of the tape though for your protection. if they continue to use legal means of harassment, fire back. file a complaint with the DA's office charging harassment, and let them have a copy of the tape you made earlier, include also all police reports this person has filed against you, as well as any complaints filed against you. once the DA has taken action in your favor, then you have recourse in civil court. but do this by the numbers, and under supervision of legal council. if you make a mistake, it could cost you.
2007-07-09 06:15:40 · answer #1 · answered by richard b 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ugh... I hate neighbors like that. Unfortunetly, there's not much you can do as far as a restraining order. She has to actually DO something to you, or threaten to do something to you in order to do that.
My very best advice:
Try to befriend her. I know it sounds crazy, but hear me out.
Most owners in HOA complex's don't like renters in their complex. Why? Because an overflow of renters will drive their property value down. (Just to let you know.)
So... try and get on her good side. Wave hello to her when you see her. Try and strike up a conversation with her and find some common ground to stand on.
I've noticed, when it comes to complaining neighbors, ASK them "Oh, my kids aren't making too much noise, are they? I hope my children aren't bothering you... I'm trying so hard to keep them quiet." This usually puts them on the spot, so it's most likely they'll say "Oh, no. They're not bothering me."
Put a shady place and water on your back porch for your dog, so it shows you're TRYING to keep the peace, and hopefully she'll follow suit.
2007-07-09 06:18:57 · answer #2 · answered by Chellebelle78 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, there is no basis with which to get a restraining order. Even though your neighbor is obviously very informed on the going-ons at your place, there is nothing you could do at this point. My advice is to make nice with the snooping neighbor. Find out exactly what annoys her so much about your presence and adjust according. Plan B would be to move.
2007-07-09 06:08:53 · answer #3 · answered by Shelly 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
seeral different ways to look at this, but one thing is certain, you should get some sort of documentation. animal control can easily tell if a dog is abused. if the dog is healthy and happy, they will normally put your neighbor on their crazy lady list. she probably reports aliens as well. find out. ask her other neighbors. ask the association.
2007-07-09 06:15:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
every time she reports you note it .if you see her spying point a camera in her direction. every time your dog deficates throw it over the fence ,the next time you hear from humane soci tell them to come in look at condition and log it down as miscuvouse neighbor so that they dont waist ther time on your adress call as for they are very busy
2007-07-09 06:11:35 · answer #5 · answered by nile 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can file in your local court for a civil restraining order. It may not work, but it is something you can try.
2007-07-09 06:09:24 · answer #6 · answered by coragryph 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would see a lawyer
2007-07-09 06:03:32 · answer #7 · answered by Deidre K 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Heck ya, good luck to ya.
2007-07-09 06:02:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have to go on 'record'.
2007-07-09 06:03:53 · answer #9 · answered by Thomas Paine 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋