My neighbor constantly complains about my pets, what can I do about it?
June 26, 2024 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Oliver Ratzberg
Dear lawyer,
I am reaching out to you because I am desperate and do not know what to do anymore. My neighbor, Mr. Müller, constantly complains about my pets and even threatens legal action. I have a dog and two cats that I love and care for very well. However, my neighbor feels disturbed and harassed by them.
The situation is as follows: My dog occasionally barks when he plays outside in the garden, and my cats sometimes go onto his property. Mr. Müller claims that the animals disturb his peace and damage his garden. He has already repeatedly asked me to keep the animals away or get rid of them.
I am very worried that there might be a conflict with my neighbor or even legal consequences. However, I do not want to give up or restrict my pets, as they are an important part of my life.
Can you please tell me what legal options I have to defend myself against my neighbor's complaints? Are there laws or regulations that protect my rights as a pet owner? How can I peacefully resolve the situation with my neighbor without having to give up my pets? Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Best regards,
Sven Peters
Dear Mr. Peters,
I understand your concerns and will try to help you as best as I can in this difficult situation. As a lawyer specializing in neighborhood law, I understand how stressful neighborhood disputes can be, especially when it involves beloved pets.
First of all, it is important to know that there are legal regulations that protect your rights as a pet owner. In Germany, the Civil Code (BGB) regulates, among other things, pet ownership and the associated responsibilities. As a pet owner, you have the right to keep and care for your animals in a species-appropriate manner, as long as this does not affect the rights of others.
Regarding the complaints from your neighbor, Mr. Müller, there are various ways you can respond. First, try to have a conversation with your neighbor and together look for a solution. Perhaps you can assure your neighbor that you are already taking measures to minimize the disturbance, such as training your dog to bark less or keeping your cats from entering his property.
If legal action is taken, as a pet owner, you have the right to keep your animals as long as you comply with the legal requirements. In the event of a lawsuit from your neighbor, the courts will evaluate whether there is indeed an unreasonable disturbance caused by your pets and whether you have taken appropriate measures to improve the situation.
It is important that you seek legal advice from a neighborhood lawyer in a timely manner to protect your rights and avoid escalating the conflict. An experienced lawyer can help you assess your legal options and support you in resolving the conflict with your neighbor.
I hope this information is helpful to you and that you can find a satisfactory solution for both parties. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or need legal assistance.
Best regards,
Oliver Ratzberg
Neighborhood Lawyer
