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Dogs running off-leash in neighborhood with kids

Sent to Legal Experts August 30, 2007 5:25 p.m.

We live in developement subdivision in Florissant, Missouri that is 3 years old. Our neighborhood is full of children playing, getting on and off the bus for school, etc. Several of the dog owners that live here allow their dogs to run off-leash. We know for a fact the laws in Florissant strictly require all pets to be leashed, because children have been attacked multiple times in our city by loose dogs. I have a copy of the law.

So far we have counted 6 separate dogs that our owned by residents of this subdivision that are regularly running off-leash with no owner in sight. We have photographed 3. We've had to spray 2 with pepper spray to get them off our porch where our 4 children play. In response to compaints the company sent the following note to everyone: "We know your pets may be well-behaved, but certain people are uncomfortable with dogs not being on a leash." Nothing whatsoever about the LAW or the dangers for all the kids.

What should we do?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $15

Answer
August 30, 2007 5:39 p.m. (14 minutes and 14 seconds later)

ACCEPTED

My suggestion is that you mail a copy of the Missouri law to the company. Also, send a letter stating that by sending this letter you are notifying the dog owners that their dogs are showing a dangerous propensity to bite children. Therefore, in Missouri, the notice provision required to inform dog owners before being able to find them liable might be shown. I would consult with a local dog bite lawyer in Missouri, and I am sure you can find some on the internet. My understanding is that the dog owner in Missouri must know that their dog is dangerous before they can be found liable. By sending the notice to all the neighbors and to the company, you can argue that everyone is on notice. That should improve the situation.

If my answer is satisfactory please accept it and provide positive feedback. Thank you.

J D Haas -- Lawyer (JD) -- 99% Positive Feedback on 1769 Legal Accepts
21 years as a serious injury/wrongful death trial lawyer; nationally board certified; 41 jury trials

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