Can I sue a dog owner, when their dog got out and killed my dog?

-A · Aug 27th 2012, 9:40am

Our dog (shitzu) was tied up as is the law in Minnestoa. The neighbor (3 houses down) let out their dog, without putting it on a chain, the dog came into our yard and attack and killed our registered dog. Their dog is a German Shepherd, very large dog. Our dog has been with us for 7 years and was a companion for our daughter who is 16 years old.

180SX Silvia · Aug 27th 2012, 9:40am

Yes.

3AjaMarissaAshley38420 · Aug 27th 2012, 11:09am

If you can prove it then yes you can.

accrlm · Aug 27th 2012, 12:39pm

YOu can try taking them to small claims. About all you will be most likely get is the value of replacing your Shih Tzu tho.

Mandie · Aug 27th 2012, 2:08pm

depends on your lawyer and his. I would. make sure you have plenty of third party witness statements.

jen is a ninja · Aug 27th 2012, 3:37pm

Yes, and you should. Sorry about your poor dog.

63nova · Aug 27th 2012, 5:07pm

Call the police and RSPCA, they will point you on the right track. The other dogs owner will get charged.

5814 · Aug 27th 2012, 6:36pm

Yup sure can. That's why there are leash laws.

2bzy7221 · Aug 27th 2012, 8:05pm

yes,

288290 · Aug 27th 2012, 9:34pm

Yes. There are leash laws for a reason. If the dog came on your property, your dog was on a leash or in a fenced yard, the neighbors are liable.

CK----------------- · Aug 27th 2012, 11:04pm

The first step is to report your neighbours to the humane society. They can investigate the circumstances and go from there. I am very sorry about your dog.

branden 0232 · Aug 28th 2012, 12:33am

Call animal control and they can help. You might not be able to sue for money or anything but they would take the dog away from them and put it to sleep.

7 ex 123456 · Aug 28th 2012, 2:02am

Yes you can and should. The owner should no longer be allowed to have a dog, especially that one, and the dog, unfortunately, has been allowed to become too great of a risk due to its obvious lack of training and supervision. I'm sorry for your loss as well as the dog that now will probably pay with its life for having careless owners.

3939 · Aug 28th 2012, 3:32am

I think you probably could. I'm not sure though. I think you she be able to. That is so sad! I'm really sorry.:[:[:[:[:[:[:[

branden 1366 · Aug 28th 2012, 5:01am

Yes you can sue, most likely in small claims court. I hope you reported this to the local police/dog warden. There are steep fines when a dog kills another domestic animal. I say hit them twice! I have no sympathy for irresponsible dog owners!

Cowboys Angles 7113 · Aug 28th 2012, 6:30am

Thats terrible, Im sorry to hear of your loss. Really sorry!I was a law major and I know for sure you would have a case, however, can you prove this? Do you have police records? There has to be some proof. See an attorney immidiately and see what they say. You should know a respectful attorney with free counciltation. Good luck and sorry for the loss. Contact me if you need further advise....

2 Happily Married Americans · Aug 28th 2012, 8:00am

I'm sure you can, but it won't replace your beloved dog. Sorry for your loss.

bratiskim · Aug 28th 2012, 9:29am

I'm so sorry about the loss of your dog.In general, you can sue anybody for anything. It doesn't mean you will prevail. I would gather evidence. -- take photographs, have a vet do a necropsy, and most importantly, how do you know it was their dog? You need to be able to prove it. Get witness statements now, and whatever else you have to prove what dog it was.Best of luck.

42 · Aug 28th 2012, 10:58am

Sure you can and you can also have the owner fined also.

a gal and her dog8965 · Aug 28th 2012, 12:28pm

yes, you can.