Get free answers to your Animal / Dog Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I was in the mountains with a friend who has a carry license. Her cattle ran over her sheep and dog, putting her life at risk. I used her firearm to shoot rounds into the ground to create a safe passage and took her to her truck. Later, when we were pulled over by the police, I explained why I used... View More 
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answered on May 12, 2025
In California, the law generally prohibits anyone with a felony conviction from possessing or handling firearms under any circumstances, even in emergency situations like the one you described. When you handled the firearm to help your friend, you technically violated California Penal Code Section... View More
My three dogs were seized last October after an incident where my newborn child was attacked by one or more of them. Although the case against me has been closed for two months, the dogs are still held by animal control. The police mentioned a trial is the next step, and that animal control will... View More
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answered on May 8, 2025
In California, when animal control officers have "probable cause to believe that a dog is potentially dangerous or vicious," they may seize and impound the animal pending a hearing. This is especially true when they determine the dog "poses an immediate threat to public safety."... View More
My three dogs were seized last October following an incident at my home where my newborn child was attacked by one or more of them. The case against me has been closed for two months, but my dogs remain at animal control. The police informed me that my next step is a trial, and that animal control... View More
answered on May 8, 2025
A newborn child being attacked by one or more of three dogs in your home is specific enough for evidence.
I want to know if I can sue a staff member at a recovery homeless shelter who has been racist and discriminatory towards me, a senior citizen, and my service animal. This staff member, who is supposed to be qualified for her position, questions people about associating with me instead of people of... View More
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answered on May 7, 2025
Yes, you can sue for discrimination at a homeless shelter in California. Under California law, shelters are considered housing providers and must follow anti-discrimination laws, including providing reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities and their service animals.
The... View More
I purchased a horse over a year ago with a disclosed injury and agreed to a discounted price contingent upon performing surgery to fix the issue within one year; failing to do so would require repayment of the discount. The agreement was signed with a minor’s signature and a non-matching printed... View More
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answered on May 7, 2025
This appears to be a complex contract situation with several important legal factors at play. The minor's signature combined with a non-matching printed name raises serious questions about the contract's validity from the beginning, as minors generally have limited capacity to enter... View More
I was initially arrested for sleeping in a private lot. The officer informed me that if I had any illegal substances, I should hand them over to avoid charges upon entry into the facility. I complied, handing over half a gram of meth and a pipe. Despite asking several times if I would be charged... View More
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answered on Apr 28, 2025
You may have grounds for a legal defense based on what's called "entrapment by estoppel," which occurs when a government official (the officer) assures you that an action won't result in charges, and you reasonably rely on that assurance. In California, courts have recognized... View More
I am currently going through a divorce in California. There is no prenuptial agreement in place. During our marriage, my spouse and I acquired two horses—one for each of us. My spouse is now refusing to let me take my horse and my plants, which I consider mine. Can I claim these items as mine... View More
answered on Apr 25, 2025
It seems each of you getting a horse would be a fair distribution, but you can't claim it.
Generally, this is what either of you earned (or debt you took out) after you married, but before you separated. The “community” is you and your spouse. The property belongs to you both... View More
I recently moved into an apartment in California, and due to not having my own parking space, I parked a U-Haul in a reserved spot. My boyfriend informed security that we were moving in and would move the truck shortly. Unfortunately, I fell asleep, and when I woke up, the U-Haul was towed, with my... View More
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answered on Apr 25, 2025
Under California law, towing a vehicle with an animal inside appears to be problematic. California Penal Code Section 597.7 explicitly prohibits leaving or confining an animal in any unattended motor vehicle under conditions that endanger the animal's health or well-being due to heat, cold,... View More
My dog was severely injured when an Amazon delivery driver ran him over near the end of my driveway in Apple Valley, CA. The driver did not stop, and my neighbors and father attempted to chase him down. Amazon has identified the driver, who submitted a video of the incident from the truck's... View More
answered on Apr 22, 2025
Hire a lawyer right away to protect your rights and ensure Amazon takes responsibility. Since Amazon has acknowledged the report and has video evidence, a lawyer can push for immediate reimbursement or coverage of your dog’s medical expenses. Gather all documentation—vet quotes, witness... View More
I filed a police report after my French Bulldog, which I purchased for $5,000, got out of my yard and was taken by a lady. She claimed she would reunite lost dogs with their owners but instead sold my dog to another person for a fee. I have a text where she admits having my dog. The new owner... View More
answered on Apr 9, 2025
Dear Victorville Resident,
The individual who took your dog and sold it may be liable under Penal Code Section 496, which addresses receiving or selling stolen property. The text message where she admits to having your dog is a key piece of evidence, supporting a claim that she knowingly... View More
Despite having no late payments, my car was repossessed in Santa Ana, California, without any notification, and returned to the dealership. The repossession occurred without the repo person identifying themselves or involving law enforcement. My car, with my dogs inside, was later reported... View More
answered on Apr 6, 2025
I'm very sorry to hear about your experience and especially what happened to your dogs. There are no facts here that make this sound like a repossession other. It's common that a thief will dump a vehicle shortly after taking it. There are certainly horror stories and I have represented... View More
I have a medically necessary service dog and have lived in my apartment for over 8 years. The property owner recently changed to a new management company, which now requires me to sign a Pet Agreement as part of my Lease/Rental Agreement. Previously, there were no agreements related to my service... View More
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answered on Apr 4, 2025
Under California law and the federal Fair Housing Act, your service dog is not legally classified as a pet but rather as an assistance animal that provides necessary support for your disability. Property managers and landlords must make reasonable accommodations for assistance animals, including... View More
In Carmichael, CA, a tow truck driver moved my friend's car from his assigned parking space to a nearby street without his permission so they could tow my truck, which was parked at a vacant office building across from the apartment complex. Is it legal for a tow truck driver to move or tow... View More
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answered on Apr 3, 2025
In Carmichael, California, a tow truck driver generally cannot move your friend's vehicle from an assigned parking space without explicit consent or prior notice, unless it's necessary due to an emergency or safety hazard. Doing so could potentially be a violation of California Vehicle... View More
I received an email about renewing my pet policy, which had a price increase of $13. I called the company on March 7th to discuss a potential discount or to review the amount, but they said they couldn't do anything. I asked about the cancellation process, and they informed me that they'd... View More
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answered on Apr 2, 2025
Your situation involves an unauthorized cancellation of your pet insurance policy, which constitutes a potential breach of contract by the insurance provider. Based on California insurance regulations, insurance companies must provide clear documentation of policy cancellations, especially when... View More
I am concerned about my roommate's neglect of her French Bulldog puppy. We live in an apartment, and she leaves the puppy outside on the balcony in extreme weather conditions, either very hot or very cold. She rarely cleans up after the puppy, resulting in it living around its own feces.... View More
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answered on Apr 2, 2025
Under California Penal Code Section 597, animal neglect is a serious offense. The conditions you describe—exposure to extreme weather and unsanitary living conditions—potentially constitute criminal neglect under state law. You may report these concerns anonymously to your local animal control... View More
I recently had my horse wrongfully seized as part of a warrant to remove all horses on a property due to alleged neglect. I possess a bill of sale and registration papers that prove my legal ownership. My horse was in good condition and not neglected. Despite speaking with the authorities, they... View More
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answered on Apr 1, 2025
You should immediately file for an emergency writ of replevin (also called claim and delivery in California), which is a legal action specifically designed to recover wrongfully taken personal property. This expedited court procedure can compel authorities to return your horse while the underlying... View More
There are two people staying illegally on a lot next to my home in Shasta County. They live in a camp trailer without permitted dwellings or a septic system. Despite discussions with them, they've acquired two pit bulls and walk them daily in front of our homes. I've contacted code... View More
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answered on Mar 27, 2025
The people staying on the neighboring lot don't automatically have full use rights to the access road beyond the entrance to their lot unless they have a specific easement granting them those rights. In California, an easement grants someone "a limited right to use another's land for... View More
I want to sue a dog shelter for euthanizing my dog. The incident occurred when my dog got into a fight with my friend's dog, and the dog catcher initially allowed me to leave with my pet. However, the owner of the bitten dog interfered, resulting in my dog being taken away. There was no... View More
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answered on Mar 25, 2025
You may have grounds for a lawsuit against the dog shelter based on the circumstances you've described. The lack of written documentation about the euthanasia decision and the absence of proper communication are concerning factors that could support your case. Additionally, the fact that the... View More
I was involved in an incident where my dog attacked another dog, and as a result, my dog was placed in shelter custody. I was verbally informed that I could only retrieve my dog if I found a suitable home. Due to being homeless, my dog stayed in the shelter for 3-4 months. I received no... View More
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answered on Mar 22, 2025
You may have legal grounds to sue the shelter, but several factors will affect your case. In California, animal shelters typically must hold animals for a specific period before euthanasia decisions are made. For dogs that have been involved in attacks, there are specific protocols that should be... View More
I am living in an abusive household in California with my mom and stepdad after a divorce. My stepdad has been verbally and emotionally abusive, and he has also inappropriately touched me since I was young. A recent family fight led to me revealing the abuse to my mom, but my stepdad denied it. He... View More
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answered on Mar 22, 2025
You're incredibly brave for seeking help. For immediate support, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) which can connect you to local California resources including emergency shelters, counseling, and legal aid. Many counties offer free legal assistance with restraining... View More
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