Would I be liable?
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
United States
May 8, 2009 6:58am CST
As some of you know I had a "neighbor" (renter) that I was debating calling the cops on. Well last night my dog was acting funny like someone was outside in our drive way. I look out the window and there's no one to be seen. So then he keeps whining I'm thinking ok dog really needs to go potty. So I send him out on his 10ft secured leash to do his business. I look outside further and that neighbors dog is outside! This dog belongs a few houses down and to the looks of the dog I think it's a female.
So here's my question say I had my dog outside and he was on our property chained, on his leash, or in our fenced yard.... would we be liable if puppies were produced? Our dog isn't fixed we had thought about breeding him for a while so he's never been fixed. But I don't think we'd be liable that they don't have their dog secured on their dwelling if something would occur. Our dog is either secured or supervised in the yard as he can be a bit wild.
What do you think?
12 responses
@LevysLuv (238)
• United States
8 May 09
I would think the same rule would apply as when a dog attacks another dog or human. The dog that is not leashed, containd or supervised would be the owner liable. Having your dog leashed or contained is being a responsible dog owner. i would call animal control if you see your neighbor's dog wondering again, for the dog's protection and your surrounding neighbor's safety. As a dog owner yourself I'm sure you'd feel bad if their dog was hit by a car or attacked a child.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
8 May 09
No, you wouldn't be liable since it's their dog that is not controlled. Besides, how would they prove yours was the father?
Are the neighbors any quieter now or are they still wild and noisy all night?
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
9 May 09
My dog is a basett hound & theirs is like a solid greyhound looking dog. They had a small party last week so they had say 2-3 cars on the road in front of their property. And being that it is a Friday I looked out the window to see if anything is going to go down tonight & no a soul is home..... for now.
@scarlet_woman (23465)
• United States
10 May 09
if that dog came onto your property where your own dog was tied up,no you shouldn't be.especially if there's leash laws in your area.
if they turn her loose without being fixed,they should expect that's gonna happen eventually.a dog is a dog.
@mariposaman (2959)
• Canada
8 May 09
The female dog would have to be in heat. I do not know how often they are but the chances of a one time encounter and the dog being in heat might be against the odds. However having said that it is not impossible.
Most people here are giving their opinion. Opinion is not necessarily the law. If you can find a lawyer who will give you a free initial consultation then you can get a proper answer.
@jayrene (2708)
• Philippines
8 May 09
wow... never though in other countries it is like this... people could be held liable if their dogs impregnated (or could it be raped?) other dogs. it is sooo different here, people dont care if who's dog/s impregnates their dog. many people loves puppies here, its easy to give them away.
ok... to your question... in my opinion i dont think that you will be held responsible, because yours is leashed, its the female dog so i think there is nothing for you to worry about if your dog becomes a father 
@nova1945 (1612)
• United States
8 May 09
If your dog is "chained" or fenced in his own yard and the female dog is virtually tresspassing on your property you would not be liable if your dog does what dogs do and puppies are created. It would be the responsibility of your neighbor to contain his dog in a secure environment, especially if she is in heat, to avoid this probability of unwanted pregnancy.
@Ldyjarhead (10233)
• United States
8 May 09
Do people file paternity suits on behalf of their dogs?
If someone has left an unspayed female dog run loose and she has pups as a result, they are at fault. Your dog was on your property and the female ventured onto your property uninvited.
Having said that, there are enough unwanted critters out there. Neuter your dog.
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
8 May 09
I agree with everyone else, your dog was on your property and on his leash. If this female dog ends up pregnant it's not your responsibility in any way. Besides, if she's running around the neighborhood how are the owners going to know who the father is unless they pay for paternity testing and I don't even think they do that on dogs, do they? 
@derlilaStern (1756)
• United States
8 May 09
There is one thing that sticks out like a sore thumb to me. How would the neighbor prove that it was your dog that produced the puppies? Because of that one factor, I wouldnt worry about it!
Like others have said, and you pointed out, your dog is always on your property. That means that you are properly caring for your dog. It is your neighbors dog that is doing something wrong!
I dont see how they would be able to make you pay something for the puppies! I really wouldnt worry about it if I were you. I would go about my business like normal. If you know those neighbors and have good relationship with them, you may want to mention that you saw their dog on your property while your dog was out and that your dog is not fixed. If you dont have a good relationship with the neighbors, I wouldnt bother, it could make things more difficult.
