If someone gets bitten by my dog on my property, will I be the one blamed?

Question

I let one of my dogs out in the backyard for a few hours every day. There are two huge signs, "DOG ON PROPERTY" and "DO NOT FEED THE DOG".

Despite the sign and the many conversations I have had with my neighbor about not feeding my dog, he will still throw food on my property for the dog and then provoke him. I have explained to him many times not to feed my dog, and especially not to feed my dog and then touch him because he is food aggressive with strangers.

The other day I saw him feeding my dog and then provoking him by shoving his head away from the food while he was still eating it.

If an accident happens, who is legally to blame?

Bubba13, my "DOG ON PROPERTY" sign has nothing to do with them be dangerous. I've had people become startled because they had no idea a dog was on my property; the sign was been helpful. My "DO NOT FEED" sign was put because of the neighbor in question. My dogs are house dogs, but I'm not going to leave them inside all the time.

Answer 1

Hmmm...my first thought is that you will be held responsible. However, with the other information, you might not. Try this...to keep yourself safe...send him a letter - restating what you have already told him - send it certified return receipt. Keep a copy of it, and the return receipt. That way if something happens, you have proof that you have tried to get him to leave your dog alone. Heck, maybe he can be held responsible for trespassing on your property and messing with your pet...

Answer 2

Tell your neighbor that if he continues to trespass on your property and harass your dog that you will call the police. Then do it. If he continues to feed and bother your dog, call them every time. Keep records of all interaction between you, your neighbor and your dog. Normally you would be responsible for anything your dog does, but if you have records of your neighbor acting as he has been the courts will likely make him take responsibility for his own actions. This situation is not the same as a child going onto your property to pet your dog.

Answer 3

You're responsible for your dog. However, you have an idiot for a neighbor and you should devise some way that when your dog is in the back yard, he cannot get close enough to your neighbor's property to be fed or touched. If the problem persists, call the police. Perhaps a chat from an officer with the neighbor will convince him to stop!

Answer 4

you are 100% resposible for your dog on and off your property, no matter what. Also be sure to remove ALL the signs from your property. In a way you are admitting that the dogs could be vicious. Take the signs down and just admit they are house dogs. If they got bit then they must have been doing something wrong

Answer 5

You will be. My old landlord had 2 rottweilers. He had them behind a 8 foot fence, and tons of signs beware of dog. The kids in the neighborhood always went up to the fence and teased the dogs, one day the dogs jumped the fence and drag to kids down the block. Both dogs where put to sleep and he got sued.

For your protection, the next time you see this guy feeding your dog or harassing him I would call the police and file a harassment compliant. In case something happens you have proof you stress the importance of this guy leaving your dog alone and has issues. He shouldn't be feeding your dog period and you could def file harassment charges.

Answer 6

You are legally responsible for your dog both off and on your property at all times. Provocation is not considered justifiable cause for an insurance company so if your neighbor is injured they can sue you. The local police may also require the dog to be put down.

Answer 7

This is a sticky subject-it sounds like your neighbor could be charged with animal cruelty. I would try to set up a video camera and present this to the police for their opinion. On the other hand, it is on your property-so you probably would be liable if the dog did injure your neighbor. I would really try to catch your neighbor in the act though-that seems like the best thing to do to stop this behavior. Good luck.

Answer 8

Send him a registered letter explaining the situation. So you can have it in hand as exhibit A if something happens. Let other neighbours know of your concerns so there might be corroboration of your story later on. Take pictures of him feeding the dog. Record a phone conversation with him on the subject then train your dog to jump him and scare the **** out of him.

Answer 9

It will be your neighbors fault if he gets bit. Unless you have invited someone onto your property and then your dog bites the person you are not at fault.
To protect yourself I suggest you document your conversations with the neighbor and maybe even get a picture or video of him doing that to your dog...that way if you go to court you are covered.

Answer 10

If this boy is on your property, then he would be at fault. I base this on my state laws, though, so check with a lawyer. If you were to trespass on my property, and I was to shoot you (after a warning or in self defense), you would be at fault (I love Southern states).

But the part which I think puts it in your favor are the signs and repeated warnings to this person. If this is a boy, talk to the mother. If this is an adult, you can easily threaten legal action for throwing food (littering) and antagonizing your dog.