My Cat was killed on my property by a neighbors dog, is there any legal action?
Just Wondering 16 asked:
This cat was killed in Michigan. I know that the dog could potential be put down or labeled as a dangerous animal if it had: bit a human or killed another dog. There is nothing that holds water regarding the killing of a cat. Is my only right to take them to civil court and seek the market value of a calico cat?? It doesn’t seem right!
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This cat was killed in Michigan. I know that the dog could potential be put down or labeled as a dangerous animal if it had: bit a human or killed another dog. There is nothing that holds water regarding the killing of a cat. Is my only right to take them to civil court and seek the market value of a calico cat?? It doesn’t seem right!
December 29th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
contact a law firm
you’re not going to get very accurate answers on here *((C0NFiDENCE))*
January 1st, 2010 at 2:49 pm
Just leave it alone. MG it was just a cat, go to a pound and get another one, 3 OF MY CATS DIED,its part of nature, let nature run its course. Let the poor dog live, thats their natural instinct to kill cats. dogs,cats=ENEMIES x0gillettex0
January 2nd, 2010 at 2:05 pm
yes you have a case, prove it was on your property, you can get pain and suffering im sure, bills for whatever the cat had done, there is something there, not xactly sure what it is tho pinkkitty1022
January 2nd, 2010 at 4:43 pm
its a cat, honestly, are we that greedy, fat, and bored in america? that we have to seek legal damages for everything? -.- Jonathan C
January 2nd, 2010 at 10:16 pm
Woman Awarded $45,000 for Cat Killed by Neighbor’s Dog
A Seattle judge awarded more than $45,000 to a woman whose cat was killed by a neighbor’s dog. Below is the story that ran in the Seattle Times:
Woman awarded $45,000 for cat killed by neighbor’s dog
Monday, May 9, 2005
SEATTLE, Washington (AP) — A woman who sued a neighbor after his dog mauled her cat to death has been awarded more than $45,000.
Retired teacher Paula Roemer’s 12-year-old cat, Yofi, was attacked in her back yard in February 2004 by a chow belonging to her neighbor, Wallace Gray. The dog had repeatedly escaped in the past, according to the lawsuit.
Roemer, 71, said the death of the black and white cat left her with sleep disturbances, panic attacks and depression, causing her to begin smoking heavily. The amount awarded included $30,000 for the pet’s special value and $15,000 for emotional distress.
Her lawyer, Adam P. Karp, announced the verdict by Judge Barbara L. Linde on Sunday and said the value accorded to the cat tied a record. In the previous case, a jury in California last year ordered a veterinarian to pay a dog owner $30,000 for the dog’s “unique” value, plus $9,000 for veterinary bills.
Gray, who served three weeks in jail and three months under house arrest for an animal control violation, said an acquaintance was taking care of his dog at the time of the attack.
“This is absolutely crazy,” Gray said. “I’m sorry she lost her cat, but I had no control over it.”
Roemer said she doubted she would see any of the money but plans to donate anything she does collect to an animal protection group.
Posted by Amy A. Breyer at 2:36 PM twinzz
January 4th, 2010 at 3:47 am
I saw an episode of Animal Cops and they picked up a dog that killed 3 cats and fined the owner I believe. Just contact your local ASPCA. Kim
January 5th, 2010 at 1:47 am
If there’s a leash law, the neighbors are liable if the dog was not restrained by a leash. They can pay for medical bills but I’m not sure about the market value. I think the judge would focus on what you’ve spent and perhaps pain and suffering. I think this would be a small claims action. Good luck. I’m sorry about your cat.
P.S. I’m wondering if the court shows on TV have website questions and answers that can help you with this: People’s Court, Judge Maria Lopez, etc. Jackie A
January 5th, 2010 at 1:55 am
Contact your local police or animal control agency. Local laws often prohibit dogs from wandering the neighborhood unleashed. Dogs that kill domestic animals, even cats, may be subject to confinement or worse. Reverend Black Grape
January 8th, 2010 at 11:43 am
If the dog entered YOUR property and killed YOUR cat than you have a right to be compensated for it as the owner should have had his or her dog on a leash and chain in their own yard. If it was not on your property and the cat entered THEIR property then your chances for compensation are pretty much a million to none. As in this case YOU would have been held responsible as you should have had your cat in the house and out of harms way. Hotboi
January 11th, 2010 at 10:59 pm
is there a leash law in your neighborhood? has the dog killed other animals? do you have witnesses besides yourself that the dog killed your cat? a dog in our neighborhood killed 5 cats, but we finally forced the people to get rid of him because they wouldn’t keep him restrained. we have a leash law, so the constable finally ticketed them when the dog killed a cat right in front of my husband. the dog just loved to chase and kill things that ran. we argued that a small child might be next. i know of another “cat killer” that went on to bite a small child on a bike and had to be quarantined for 2 weeks. I would find out the laws in your area. maybe you can at least force them to restrain the dog, to protect any other pets you have. you might be able to sue in small claims court. good luck. Sorry about your cat! that’s terrible! sunnybear
January 14th, 2010 at 3:41 am
Unfortunately, the cat is considered property and that’s the only recourse.
A friend had her Westie attacked by a Pitt in MI, but they had no recourse either.
It may be best to just drop the matter and deal with your loss. I don’t think pursuing legal action would be fiscally advantageous.
I’m sorry for your loss. oy vey
January 14th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
YES, Contact the local Humane Society - and if the shelter is a reputable one, contact them as well.
There could be a law against unleashed dogs on other peoples’ property too- and your neighbor COULD possibly be ticketed for this — or even for trespassing.
Sadly in some places, the market value of a pet is very low. Add emotional grief and fearfor YOUR safety, and get a good lawyer.
The dog could kill again — this time it could be a small child.
And I am VERY sorry your cat died so terribly!!!! aattura
January 15th, 2010 at 9:55 am
I have the answer kill the dog!! stupid dog!! Linike
January 17th, 2010 at 2:42 am
I’m sorry for your loss. This happened to me when I was a kid. Unfortunately it’s a risk you take with letting any animal outside. Is your property fenced in? If so, you might have something as far as the dog coming over it or through it to get your cat, but otherwise it might be coincidental that it happened on your property. I know the outrage you must feel towards your neighbors and their dog right now, and most areas have leash laws that mandate dogs must be tied up at all times outside, but this law is also starting to include cats in many cities. I would talk to your neighbor, ask him to keep it tied up on his property-if the dog has been a problem with other things in the past you might let them know you might try and seek legal action…but if this is an isolated incident, it is a dogs instinct- so the courts might find you both at fault and throw the case out. Maybe your neighbor feels terrible as well? Who knows. Bottom line, it has happenned, and no courts can bring kitty back. I would just make sure the dog is tied up and your pets are tied up or fenced in before you let them outside. julie
January 20th, 2010 at 3:42 am
It depends on the laws in your state. In NH, cats are Acts of God and therefore there is no legal action that can be taken because of or about them. I’m unsure of the laws in Michigan, and quite frankly only a lawyer familiar with local pet laws would know. Best of luck to you! I hope there’s some recompense for your loss. Swordage