My neighbor poisoned and killed my dog.

Question

I had a healthy Cane Corso 5-year-old dog. I live on the 9th floor. My neighbor who lives on the 8th floor kept spraying him with insecticide, I have all my complaint petitions I have camera footage and photo footage. My dog ​​died today. I want to complain about my downstairs neighbor and file a lawsuit for compensation.

California, USA

Answer

I am very sorry to hear about your dog. Insecticides can be very harmful to people and pets, depending on what is used and how. You indicate in your inquiry that your neighbor kept spraying your dog with insecticide in which case it is unclear how your neighbor had continuous contact with your dog and no one intervened. People who believe that their animal or any animal is being mistreated or was mistreated should contact the police, SPCA (society for the prevention of cruelty to animals), animal control, and other entities in their area that enforce animal cruelty laws.

People who believe that their animal was negligently or intentionally harmed or killed can also commence a civil lawsuit for money, such as for veterinary expenses to treat the animal, the cost of the animal, and funeral expenses. People can also seek money for the special value of the animal to them. Worth noting is a California case where a jury determined that while the market value of a dog who died as a result of the negligence of the dog’s veterinarian was only $10, the dog’s special value to the dog’s “parent” was $30,000. The dog’s “parent” was awarded $30,000 for the dog’s special value in addition to $9000 for overpayments to the veterinarian. Additionally, California law states: “For wrongful injuries to animals being subjects of property, committed willfully or by gross negligence, in disregard of humanity, exemplary damages may be given.” People can also seek damages for emotional distress and loss of companionship, although these damages are not frequently awarded in cases involving harm to animals.