The legal system often puts dogs and other pets in the “personal property” category, so they will award enough for you to go buy another dog, but nothing else. Many courts do not give compensation to a pet owner in this situation other than the replacement cost of the animal. If you meet with an experienced attorney, he or she should know the details of animal cruelty laws in your state and county. See the table of states with strict liability for dog bites from Michigan State University’s Animal Legal & Historical Center. All states (and even counties within states) have different rules and procedures for how to handle lawsuits for animal companion injuries and death.īefore you get into a lawsuit, you should research the details of how your state handles these cases. Know that these types of lawsuits can be complicated, so let’s take a look at some of the common issues surrounding them. You will likely have expenses to recover, but the part that is often fueling our need for justice is the fact that a valuable life was ended or impacted dramatically. Can you sue someone for killing or injuring your dog or other pet? Maybe someone was speeding down your street or was recklessly playing with a weapon – or maybe it was another dog – regardless, your beloved pet is now gone.Īnd suing someone or taking them to court may be an option for you.

If you’ve lost a pet, you know how painful it can be – you’ve lost a member of your family.

Ohio man kills and eats willing victim