New York Pet Law FAQs

• Q: What Is The Relevant Law In New York That Governs Pets And Animals?
  A: The relevant law concerning animals and pets in the state of New York is contained in the New York Agriculture and Markets Law at the following sections: Agriculture … More
• Q: Am I Legally Responsible If My Dog Bites Someone?
  A: It depends. If your dog does not have a past history of violent behavior, and your dog is in a place that he lawfully has a right to be and bites another person you … More
• Q: What Does It Mean For My Dog To Have Violent Propensities?
  A: A dog is usually considered to have violent propensities if it has bitten or attacked a human being or another animal without being provoked. A dog will also be … More
• Q: My Dog Has Previously Attacked Someone Uprovoked, And Is A Dangerous Dog. My Friend Was Over And He Harrassing My Dog, And Dog Attacked And Injured Him, Am I Still Absolutely Liable?
  A: It depends. You will still most likely be liable because you knew that your dog's past behavior made it likely that he would attack a human. However, when a dog with … More
• Q: If My Dog Has Escaped From My Property And Injures Someone Am I Legally Responsible For Those Injuries?
  A: The owner of a dog or other domestic animal has no legal obligation to keep their animal restrained so that it does not wander free from their property, unless the … More
• Q: I Was Watching My Friend's Dog And He Bit Someone. Am I Legally Responsible?
  A: It depends. The same rules apply as if it were your dog that bit someone. Therefore, if you knew the dog that you were watching after had a history of violent … More
• Q: If My Horses Or Cattle Have Wandered From My Property And Caused Injury To Another Am I Legally Responsible For Those Injuries?
  A: Yes. If horses, cattle or other large animals that are not commonly allowed to travel unattended in public are able to get free from your property, your negligence in … More
• Q: As A Landlord, Am I Legally Responsible If One Of My Tenants' Dogs Attacks And Injuries Someone On My Property?
  A: It depends. A landlord will only be liable to a person who has been injured by a tenant's dog if the landlord knew that the tenant's dog had violent propensities and … More
• Q: Am I Liable For A Trespass If My Dog Wanders Onto The Land Of My Neighbor?
  A: No. If your dog wanders upon the land of your neighbor by itself, and you have no knowledge that your dog has entered your neighbor's property you will not be liable … More
• Q: If My Cattle Or Horses Wander Onto The Land Of My Neighbor Am I Liable For A Trespass?
  A: Yes. Whether your neighbor's land is fenced or not you will be liable if any of your domestic animals, dogs being the exception, wander onto your neighbor's … More