Ok, I live next to rental property and I'm my 3rd set of neighbors in a year(so I don't want to do anything drastic). Anyway I have asked them four times that I know of--to not bother my dog. I have caught them twice feeding her table scraps, which I do not feed her. The first time I just told them she doesn't need to eat that, but I caught them doing it again. She has been sick several times since they have lived there and I think it is something they have fed her. Also, when she was younger she bit at several people. I have "beware of dog" and "no tresspassing" signs and I have also warned them that she bites. That doesn't seem to mater to stupid people!!! What should I do now?? What if she bites one of them?? Will I be held responsible for my neighbor's stupidity??
2007-07-19 02:53:01 · 17 answers · asked by J K F 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I forgot to mention that I have a 4 foot chain link fence all the way around my back yard.
2007-07-19 03:28:35 · update #1
I don't know if this would have any legal effect (I am not a lawyer) but it might have some psychological effect: ask them to sign a release stating that in feeding your dog they are assuming the responsibility for her veterenary care if she gets sick, and that they are assuming all liability for any bite injury she inflicts and not holding you financially responsible. Just type it up and have them sign and date it. Maybe that will help, it might even work in court if (God forbid) that becomes necessary.
2007-07-19 02:58:18 · answer #1 · answered by jxt299 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Yes you will be held responsible. They are stupid, and they might hurt your dog or your dog might hurt them. I would contact their landlord- the owner of the house. You say you don't want to do anything drastic, but the situation might become drastic. If you don't know who your landlord is, you can find out at the county office- the owner will be registered.
Also, you might want to take further steps and visit the local police office and tell them about the situation. That way you will have a report in case something does happen- like if your dog bites them or if your dog ends up poisoned.
Finally, if I were you, I'd find a way to keep the dog away- put up a temp fence so that they can't reach your dog through the gate or let your dog in the house for a few days while you contact the landlord and the police. Then after making these contacts, politely tell the neighbors that you have done so - that way they will know not try to get revenge on you since they know there has been a police report and they will immediately be suspect.
Sorry if this sounds extreme, but I know of extreme cases with neighbors.
Good luck.
2007-07-19 03:04:59 · answer #2 · answered by blahblah 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to notify the local police. Call the non-emergency number for your local police department and explain the situation. They should send an officer out to talk to your neighbors. If they still continue to bother your dog, keep calling the authorities. If it really becomes a problem where the authorities are having to come out there several times, the police may advise you to file a restraining order against them. Be sure to notify the police before this situation really gets out of control. Let them handle it. And that will also protect you if your dog does bite them. The police will already have a record from you first, stating that they were harassing your dog. I hope this information helps and GOOD LUCK!
2007-07-19 03:11:04 · answer #3 · answered by mrsnissanz 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had about the same problem at my first house I owned. Had rental "neighbors" that were just trash and always teasing my dog etc etc. I just put up a 6' fence around my yard. It worked out great and the dog loved it since she could run around without being on a leash and I didnt have to deal with thier crap anymore. If you dont put up a nice solid fence(not chain link) you will never get rid of the stupid neighbors. Worse yet is if they tease your dog and she bites them its your butt and depending on the situation they may sieze your dog and put it to sleep which makes a fence look pretty dam good instead! You can get preassembled fence panels at your local home improvement store and its not that hard to put up.
2007-07-19 03:05:01 · answer #4 · answered by gonejetskiing 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are they coming on your property to do these things? If they are, I'd call the cops and have them charged with tresspassing.
I'd call the cops anyway and see if there is anything they can do, like issue a warning to them, or even just speak to them on your behalf.
It sounds like they are just trying to be nice but you don't want the chance that your dog will bite them and sue you. And the human food is not good for your dog.
I'd call the police and get advice from them on what else you could do, short of locking your dog in the house.
2007-07-19 03:00:53 · answer #5 · answered by snakekeeper27 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well Einstein, if you brought your dog in the house instead of leaving it out, that couldn't happen.
Ever hear of Micheal Vick? Guess where Pitbull Bait dogs come from? Usually out of people's back yards. You're lucky all your neighbor is doing is feeding her scraps. If the dog bites anyone, you can and should be sued. Posting the signs and warning them would prove you were aware this was a vicious dog.
2007-07-19 13:06:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, if she bites, then it is your fault. I've dealt with several neighbors like this- you can talk to the adults in the home or put up a sign, explaining that she cannot eat anything but her "prescription" dog food (over-exaggerate, it might help). Also, tell them she can't see well and is old, and you don't want her to accidentally nip someone.
Warning- I had a neighbor try to poison my dog with lasagna that had something in it. The police of course could do nothing about it. I would be VERY careful! Or they may poison your dog accidentally with chocolate, onions, or a sharp bone.
2007-07-19 03:04:44 · answer #7 · answered by The Grand Inquisitor 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Speak to your neighbors one more time. Tell them your dog has snapped at people in the past because she was protecting your property and that it is in their best interest to heed the beware of dog sign. Also mention that your dog has special dietary needs and they cannot continue feeding her through the fence.
I would document the dates that you've spoken with them so far. If nothing else but to cover your butt should something happen.
2007-07-19 03:02:32 · answer #8 · answered by sleepingliv 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have a beware dog sign and all that stuff I dont think it would be your fault, and if you told them that your dog bites then they should know better. also tell your neighbors that they need to stop feeding her table food because its getting her sick and its very unhealthy. It may not seem nice but its going to keep your dog healthy!
2007-07-19 03:02:12 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try and keep an eye on your dog when she is out doors until these people hopefully move away.
Unfortunately yes you will be held responsible if your dog bites them - and the dog might have to be put down.
You will have to limit your dogs time outdoors for the time being to protect your dog and yourself.
Good luck and i hope they leave soon!x
2007-07-19 02:58:01 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋