My Dog Was Killed By A Law Enforcement Officer. Can I Recover Damages For My Dog Being Killed?

It depends. Any person, including law enforcement officers, can kill a dog that they witness pursuing or attacking any other domestic animal, livestock or human being, and that person shall not be liable to the owner of the animal for that killing. It is, however, illegal for any person, other than a law enforcement officer, to kill a dog which has a license that is valid in the current year, unless the dog is attacking another animal or person. If you believe that your dog has been unjustifiably killed by a law enforcement officer or any other person, you can bring a lawsuit to recover damages for the loss of your dog.

Other Michigan Pet Law FAQs

Q: What Is The Relevant Law In Michigan That Governs Animals And Pets?
A: Michigan State Statute Sections 287.321 323 and Sections 750.49 750.50 addresses most pet and cruelty to pet issues.
Q: Am I Legally Responsible If My Dog Bites A Human Being?
A: Yes. If, without provocation, your dog bites another person in a place where they lawfully have the right to be, such as any public property or private property which … More
Q: What Does It Mean For My Dog To Be Considered A Dangerous Dog?
A: A dangerous dog is any dog that has bitten or attacked another human being, or caused serious injury or death to another dog, when that dog is on the property of its … More
Q: What Are The Consequences If My Dog, Which Has Been Determined A Dangerous Dog Bites Another Person?
A: If your dog, which qualifies as a dangerous dog under the definition of a dangerous dog, has attacked a person or other dog and caused serious injury or death, a … More
Q: Can I Be Liable For Damages In A Trespass Action If My Dog Enters My Neighbor's Property?
A: It depends. If you live in a city and your dog simply enters your neighbor's land while running free you will most likely not be open to a lawsuit for trespass. … More
Q: Am I Required To Obtain A License For My Dog?
A: Yes. If you own a dog that is over 6 months of age you must obtain a valid license for that dog. Obtaining a valid license for a dog includes paying the required fees … More
Q: Am I Required By Law To Keep My Dog On A Leash?
A: Yes. Unless you own a leader dog, guard dog, hunting dog or farm dog, which is performing the duties for which it is trained you must not allow your dog to run free … More
Q: Am I Allowed To Tie My Dog Up So That He Does Not Run Free From My Property?
A: Yes. However, the tether that you use to tie your dog up must be 3 times as long as the dog, measured from the tip of the dog's nose to the tip of its tail. If a dog … More
Q: Is It Illegal To Let My Female Dog Run Free When She Is In Heat?
A: Yes. When you know that your female dog is in heat it is illegal for you to let her run free from your supervision.
Q: Are There Any Legal Processes That I Must Go Through If I Sell My Dog?
A: Yes. Every dog owner must have a specific number of ownership assigned to it, and any time a dog is sold to another person that number of ownership must be changed in … More