Pit bulls are banned where I live, and some of my neighbors have been making claims that I own a pit...?
The apartment complex I live in forbids a variety of breeds, pits included. Several of my neighbors have approached me claiming they think my dog is a pit bull. All of the paperwork from the pound and my vet state the dog is a lab mix. The dog is very sweet and loving to all people, and has not given anyone reason to believe he vicious (I know pits are sweet dogs.)
Is it possible for me to get in trouble with the landlord based on people's claims, or would the management need further proof he has pit in him? Also, if the dog does not threaten anyone, there really should be no need for reporting me, correct?
Answers:
You have papers saying the dog is not a Pit. Take these papers to your landlord. People don't even know a Pit when they see one. They are the most loyal, loving , faithful dog that exists. They are so intelligent they tend to have some human traits. I have 3 Pit bulls and 1 weenie and 2 kittens. They all get along great. We all live under the same roof.
I'd say you have legal grounds against your landlord and neighbors if they pursue their present course of false accusations.
100 pit bull or any percent pit bull?
If you do not have a banned dog, then you have nothing to worry about.
The management wouldn't do anything because you have the pound and vet paperwork stating that your dog isn't one of those breeds. They'd ask for it, read it, and that's that.
IF your dog were one of those breeds it wouldn't matter if it hurt anyone or not. The complex bans those breeds. Period.
If you've got the papers to prove that he isn't a Pit Bull, then what's the problem? If he is, it doesn't matter whether or not he's sweet and you think he won't hurt anybody, you broke and are breaking the law and they will insist you get rid of him. Simple.
Pit bull is NOT a breed. The apartment complex is owned by someone besides you. It is their property and they (rightly so) have more right to say what can and cannot remain on the premises.
But, yes, complaints could get you in trouble with the landlord.
Your papers stating lab mix are probably enough to protect you and your dog.
Why not nip the problem in the bud by taking the papers from the pound and your vet to show the manager so he/she can address it in case anyone mentions it to them.
Make sure you train your dog well and always have him on a leash so no one will have reason to complain. This would go for any dog, really.
The ban probably applies to 100% Pitt.
Note: Keep it friendly- these are your neighbors.
People can be idiots.
Just give your paperwork (in person) to the complex management. You will be fine.
Very simple,
You go to a lawyer office, armed with names & addresses of all the people who have falsely accused you (the more research you do, the less to pay the lawyer), plus you bring paperwork showing proof your dod is not a pit bull.
You ask lawyer to send a letter to each and everyone one of those names & addresses stating your intention to sue them for libel and defamation of your character unless they withdraw their accusations, and appologize to you. They get copy of your proof that your dog is not a pit bull.
Copies of this also go to your landlord.
If they shut up, you might put the cases on hold indefinitely. If any more trouble, those are the people to sue. Your interest is not in getting lots of money from them, but in getting them to appologize for harrassing you and agree to stop making trouble for you.
While I could speculate on probable answers your best bet would be to ask at the office of your complex for a ruling... If you can afford it, ask the advice of a lawyer... one that specializes in real estate law... landlord tenet disputes & such..
If it becomes necessary, drive the landlord or his representative to a Vet and have the Vet confirm that your dog is not a pit bull. Too bad you can't get those neighbours you mention to stoop down and pet your dog, and release their anxiety. (It would help to get your landlord to pet him if he is a dog lover.)
I doubt they can touch you or your dog . As long as your paperwork states the dog is a Lab mix , the onus is on the landlord to prove otherwise !
First they would have to prove it and you have the paperwork from the pound that state what the dog is.
We had a pit bull for 15 years that was the nicest dog we have ever owned. In 15 yrs it never bite or hurt anyone, nor did it ever fight with anyone's dog. So, all the controversy on pit bulls is way out of whack. Like our vet told us, if their raised in a good loving home, spoiled and treated good, they will never be a killer. They are taught and raised to be that way by un-scrupulous people. Its really quite sad for the poor dog.
Good luck on your dog and lets hope their is not a trouble maker that likes to create people a problem. But, like I say, they would have to prove it and you can prove other wise.
I had a poodle that was meaner then our pit bull ever thought of being.
If you have paper work that states without a doubt there is no pitbull in your dog, tell the nosey people to mind their own business. I would also go the the landlord with said paperwork and show them before someone reports you. That way, you have covered your bases.
The situation you describe is actually very common. Keep copies of the vet/pound paperwork. Tell your landlord this keep happening and send him copies of the dog's paperwork. Your landlord cannot evict you without going to court. Unless he's a complete moron, then he won't try to evict you because he'll know you didn't violate the lease.
The answers post by the user, for information only, FreeLawAnswer.com does not guarantee the right.
Answer question:
More Law Questions and Answers: