How can I get my neighbor to leash his dog to protect my family?
May 5, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Nina König
Dear lawyer,
I am reaching out to you as I urgently need advice on a matter concerning my family. My neighbor has a dog that regularly roams unleashed through our garden and has barked at my children and my wife several times. We feel threatened and unsafe in our own home as a result. Despite multiple requests and demands, the neighbor refuses to leash his dog or at least keep it under control.
The situation is very distressing for us as we can no longer freely move around in the garden and are constantly worried about the safety of our children. I fear that a conflict could arise between us and our neighbor if the situation does not change.
Therefore, my question to you is: How can I get my neighbor to leash his dog to protect my family? Are there any legal steps I can take to ensure the safety of my family and prevent escalation? I would be grateful for any advice and possible solutions to resolve this distressing situation.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Bernhard Niemeyer
Dear Mr. Niemeyer,
I thank you for your trust and your inquiry regarding your neighbor's unleashed dog that is bothering your family. It is understandable that you feel threatened and insecure, especially when your children and wife are affected. It is important that you can feel safe and comfortable in your own home, so it is absolutely justified that you are looking for solutions to solve this problem.
First and foremost, I would like to emphasize that there are legal regulations in Germany that govern the handling of dogs to ensure safety and order. According to German neighbor law, every dog owner has the obligation to keep his dog under control and ensure that it does not bother or endanger others. This also applies to entering other people's properties.
In your case, it is perfectly justified to courteously but firmly point out to your neighbor that his dog is bothering your family and ask him to leash the dog or keep it under control. If your neighbor refuses to comply with your request, you may consider filing a written complaint with the local authority or the regulatory office. They are usually responsible for enforcing neighbor law and can take appropriate measures to resolve the situation.
If all attempts to find a mutually agreeable solution with your neighbor have failed, you also have the option to take legal action. For example, you could consult with a lawyer to explore your legal options and potentially obtain a restraining order against your neighbor.
It is important that you document when and how often your neighbor's dog has bothered your family and what measures you have taken to solve the problem. This can strengthen your arguments with the authorities or in case of a legal dispute.
I hope that my response helps you and that you can find a solution to your problem. If you have any further questions or need legal support, I am at your disposal.
Yours sincerely,
Nina König, Attorney at Law
