My Dogs Protecting My Home

[rperez]

A neighbor walked into my yard while my 2 Rottweiler dogs were loose (only in my yard), and she banged (knocked ridiculously loud) on my door. One of my dogs started to bark at her(not growl or snap), and she was so scared by the time I answered the door that I put the dog in the house and she left without saying a word. An hour later the police show up at my door. They said the neighbor is going to file a complaint. Can she file a complaint if my dog barked at her in MY yard? If so, what is the purpose of guard dogs? (Side note: My dogs ONLY bark when strangers come in the yard. They don't bark at passing people or animals. They are well behaved.)

[AFFA]

I wish to inform you that you cannot be held liable for anything. In this regard dog was barking and just by barking they have not done any harm to other party. Further other person had entered your property without your authority and therefore you and your dogs cannot be held liable because dogs action was justified and there was no harm to other person.

AFF

[Lexus]

You are not liable for any thing now. I would like to inform you when and how the laws may make you responsible or "liable" for injuries and damages caused by your dog. Just about every state has some sort of law that deals with dog bites. These laws can vary a lot from state to state, so you need to check the laws in your area to see how dog bites are treated. In general, though, there are three basics types of laws that may make you legally responsible or "liable" for injuries or damages caused by your dog. They are Strict Strict Liability laws, One Bite laws and Negligence. It's important that you talk to your lawyer as a soon as possible if you think you may be sued, over a dog bite.

[goddessoflubboc]

If your town has a leash law they typically apply whenever your dog isn't otherwise contained outdoors, so you could be cited if that were the case.

[Friend In Court]

One cannot be cited for violation of a leash law when dogs are in the owner's yard. Only when they are running loose.

No, your neighbor has no grounds for any legal action against you. She knows you have the dogs. Rottweillers are too large to be overlooked. The dogs are protective, as guard dogs are expected to be. Entering a yard with guard dogs, even if they had bitten her, you could have claimed no liability for her "assumption of risk."

What you can do is post a notice on your fence "Guard Dogs on Duty" so you give fair warning to strangers and neighbors. She could have called first.

Originally Posted by Friend In Court One cannot be cited for violation of a leash law when dogs are in the owner's yard. Only when they are running loose. No, your neighbor has no grounds for any legal action against you. She knows you have the dogs. Rottweillers are too large to be overlooked. The dogs are protective, as guard dogs are expected to be. Entering a yard with guard dogs, even if they had bitten her, you could have claimed no liability for her "assumption of risk." What you can do is post a notice on your fence "Guard Dogs on Duty" so you give fair warning to strangers and neighbors. She could have called first.

Incorrect. If the dogs were loose in the yard (not fenced in or on runs/tie outs) then you can be cited for allowing your dogs to roam free. Even on your own property, you're still required to keep your pets restrained.

If the dogs had attacked, the OP would be looking at a mountain of legal trouble.