Dog Accusation Legal Steps

Summary

In Tennessee, livestock owners can protect their property and seek compensation for damages caused by dogs. However, they must provide solid evidence of the dogs involvement. You should request proof, consult a local attorney, and be prepared to defend your stance in court if necessary. Your neighbors refusal to take lethal action against your dog does not invalidate their claim for compensation. Always seek legal advice specific to your situation.

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My neighbor is accusing my dog of killing their livestock. This is the second accusation. The first time it was civil and understanding and we ket them know they have legal action to shoot the dog if they see that she is killing their livestock. This time the neighbor is demanding money for damages. The dog is not aggressive and has shown no signs of blood from this. They do have pictures of the dog in the yard but no evidence of her killing. How should I proceed?
Hello ****, I understand this is a difficult situation. In Tennessee, owners of livestock have legal rights to protect their property. However, they also have to prove that your dog caused the damage. Without solid evidence, they may struggle. You may:
*. Request proof of your dog's involvement.
*. Consult a local attorney for guidance.
*. Refute claims in small claims court if necessary.
Remember, this is general advice and may not apply directly to your situation.
We have told them that they have all rights to shoot her if they see her killing their livestock but they stated they were not going to do that. If they refuse to do that, is this even an issue I should address?
Hello ****, your neighbor's refusal to take lethal action against your dog doesn't invalidate their claim. They can still seek compensation for their losses. Remember to:
- Ask for clear evidence of your dog's involvement
- Seek legal advice
- Prepare to defend your stance in court if necessary.
Ok thank you
You're welcome, ****! If you have more questions or need further clarification, don't hesitate to ask. Remember, it's always a good idea to seek legal advice specific to your situation.