Comments on: My Cat was killed on my property by a neighbors dog, is there any legal action?

By: Swordage

Swordage — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 08:42:29 +0000

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

By: julie

julie — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 07:42:19 +0000

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

By: Linike

Linike — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:55:25 +0000

I have the answer kill the dog!! stupid dog!! Linike

By: aattura

aattura — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 02:54:03 +0000

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

By: oy vey

oy vey — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:41:16 +0000

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

By: sunnybear

sunnybear — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 03:59:59 +0000

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

By: Hotboi

Hotboi — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:43:04 +0000

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

By: Reverend Black Grape

Reverend Black Grape — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 06:55:09 +0000

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

By: Jackie A

Jackie A — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 06:47:17 +0000

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

By: Kim

Kim — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 08:47:21 +0000

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