It’s no surprise that dogs are referred to as “man’s (or woman’s) best friend.” Whether they’re big, small, hairy, hairless, or whether or not they’re internet famous (who doesn’t follow a cute dog on Instagram?), our dogs have a way of capturing our hearts.
Aside from welcoming them into our family, we also have responsibilities and obligations to them.
What a responsible dog owner does
As a responsible pet owner, you should provide your dog with adequate care and sustenance. But what does that mean? The basic responsibilities of a dog owner include:
—– Providing clean, healthy, and regular food.
—– Making clean water accessible.
—– Groom or make sure your dog is clean.
—– Providing appropriate and safe shelter and comfort.
—– Protecting your dog from injury, disease, or harm.
—– Providing basic veterinary & preventive health care, such as medication (if needed), rabies & other vaccinations, etc.
—– Properly identifying your dog (microchips, tags, etc.)
—– Preventing your dog from negatively impacting other people, animals, or the environment (noise, leash laws, etc.)
Common legal issues for dog owners
Owners can face significant legal issues if they fail to responsibly take care of their dog.
These may include:
—- Civil liability for dog bites and destruction of property.
—- Class 3 misdemeanors for leaving a “dangerous dog” unattended.
—- Penalty fines for letting a dog older than 6 months run at large at night without accompaniment.
—- Neglect or animal cruelty case if you fail to perform basic responsible pet ownership or intentionally cause harm.
Depending on state laws, local ordinances, and facts surrounding a case, punishment can range from penalty fines to jail time and even taking away your dog.
If you are facing legal trouble involving your pets, a knowledgeable attorney can help you understand your rights and your legal options.
Schedule a consultation with us today by clicking here or calling 704-266-0792.
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