{"id":369352,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:23","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/neighbors\/neighbor-animal-disputes.html"},"modified":"2023-12-09T17:10:25","modified_gmt":"2023-12-09T22:10:25","slug":"neighbor-animal-disputes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/neighbors\/neighbor-animal-disputes.html","title":{"rendered":"Neighbor Animal Disputes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Neighbor Animal Disputes<\/h1>\n
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\n By Eric Harvey, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aisha Success, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Owners have certain responsibilities for their animals, regardless of whether those animals are pets or livestock. A person with a dangerous dog has similar responsibilities to a person with livestock that is prone to creating disturbances. A dog that has bitten a neighbor on more than one occasion may be declared dangerous by a judge. That judge may order that the animal be confined in the home or behind a fence. Similarly, local ordinances may determine whether you can keep chickens or other livestock in your backyard. Local laws can dictate the outcomes of these situations. These laws can be different from one place to the next. It’s always a good idea to verify the laws of your state.<\/p>\r\n

This article focuses on neighbor animal disputes. It begins with the legal history of such disputes. It also covers issues related to taking legal action related to an animal dispute. If you need more help after reading this article, see FindLaw’s Neighbors<\/a> section for related articles and resources.<\/p>\r\n

Both renters and property owners alike can benefit from this information. Animals are everywhere. It’s not only livestock that are regulated. Pets are regulated, too. Continue reading to learn more.<\/p>\r\n

A Brief History of Property Laws Regarding Animals<\/h2>\r\n

In the old courts of England, the owner was held strictly liable for any damages to persons or property livestock caused. Animals wandering across boundary lines were often considered serious offenses. Although they might not seem like infractions, the following could be grounds for liability:<\/p>\r\n