Question
Who do I need to contact about legal help for compensation for my dog being killed? While on the home owners property both dogs were roaming free. The vet bill would Exceed $10,000 for him to stay alive, but he would not live a normal life.
Answer
How very tragic. Iowa law states, in part: “The owner of a dog shall be liable to an injured party for all damages done by the dog, when the dog is caught in the action of worrying, maiming, or killing a domestic animal, or the dog is attacking or attempting to bite a person, except when the party damaged is doing an unlawful act, directly contributing to the injury.” A lawsuit may be commenced to try to get compensated. In Iowa, aggrieved individuals may sue in Small Claims Court, with or without an attorney. Small Claims Court is a user friendly court although this court can only award relatively small amounts of money. That amount varies throughout the country. In Iowa, it is $6500. People who want to sue for more money can do so in another court. Bar Associations generally have attorney referral services. A complaint may also be made to local animal control authorities. If a dog is declared dangerous, laws often provide that the dog must be spayed/neutered, be securely confined, and that the dog’s “parent” procure liability insurance.
PLEASE NOTE: Responses to legal inquiries are not meant to replace seeking legal advice from an attorney in your state. The materials in this website and any responses to questions are for informational purposes only and are not intended, nor should they be construed, as legal advice. This website, the information contained herein, and any responses to questions directed to this column are not intended to create and do not establish an attorney-client relationship. You should not rely or act upon any information provided on this website or in any response to your inquiry without seeking the advice of an attorney in your state regarding the facts of your specific situation.
Send Your Pet Legal Question Now!
Elinor will field as many questions as she can and they will be posted here on this site. Due to the volume of questions received, not all questions are answered. However, many individuals have similar questions. You may find helpful information in the categories listed below.