Expert: Robin Flynn - 11/13/2007

Question
hi, what are my rights as a pet owner when someone comes into my yard and throws things at my dog or tries to hit her? as a dog owner if she bites who is at fault? thank you

Answer
Hi Crystal,
I’m sorry to hear that you and your dog are possibly being harassed.  Laws vary by state. You may want to call your local humane society and ask if there are any laws specific to your situation. However, if there are unwanted persons on your property you have the right to call the police and have them removed for trespassing. If they intentionally harm your dog they can be charged with animal cruelty.   In regards to the dog bite question,
You may be able to avoid liability if your dog injures a person who, provoked the injury from the dog,  knowingly took the risk of being injured by the dog, was trespassing, was breaking the law, or  was unreasonably careless, and that carelessness contributed to the injury. These points were taken from the following site: http://doglaw.hugpug.com/doglaw_082.html  Please visit the site for more details on this issue.

I hope I was able to help. Please email me back if you have any additional questions.

For the Animals,
Robin