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.

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