Toll-Free: (800) 606-1717
Phone: (248) 569-4646
We often represent clients injured by dog bite and attacks. These often result in serious injuries and require medical treatment. We have obtained significant settlements for clients injured in these dog bite attacks.
Many cities and counties have ordinances regarding dogs and the responsibilities of dog owners. An owner or keeper of a dog who violates of these ordinances can be held liable for damages in a civil lawsuit to a dog bite victim. The ordinances can be used to prove a case in addition to other Michigan dog bite laws.
In Pontiac, there are laws that apply to dog owners. These can be found in the Pontiac City Ordinances. Specifically, they are as follows:
Sec. 18-50. Dangerous dog may be slain.
If any dangerous, fierce or vicious dog shall be found running at large and cannot be taken up or tranquilized and impounded, such dog may be slain by any police officer or agent authorized to perform any duty under this chapter.
(Code 1985, § 6-47)
Sec. 18-62. Running at large; leash requirement.
(a) No person owning, keeping, possessing, harboring, or maintaining a dog shall permit the dog to run at large within the city at any time. Each owner of a dog is required to confine the dog within the limits of their premises unless the dog is securely confined upon a suitable leash, not more than six feet in length, held continuously in the hands of a responsible person capable of controlling the dog Logging/towing chains are not a permissible method of securely confining a dog to a leash.
(b) A dog shall not be considered to be at large if it is:
(1) Securely confined in an auto which is adequately ventilated;
(2) Being exhibited at a show; or
(3) Engaged in any activity approved by the state.
(c) If a dog is found at large in violation of this section, it shall be impounded according to the procedures set out in Article III of this chapter.
(d) If a dog is found to be in violation of this section or 18-76(a), the dog, at owner's expense, shall be tattooed by or under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The identification number shall be assigned to the animal by the state department of agriculture and shall be noted in its records pursuant to Act No. 309 of the Public Acts of 1939 (MCL 287.301 through 287.308), or as an alternative to tattooing, the owner and/or possessor shall have a microchip placed under the dog's skin, at the owner's expense, by or under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The microchip shall contain an unalterable ID code that will last for the life of the dog and that can be scanned to identify the dog and its owner.
(Ord. No. 2134, § 1, 6-20-02)
Secs. 18-63--18-75. Reserved.
Quite often, the victim of the attack files a report with either the local police or local Animal Control agency. When a report is filed, it is necessary to obtain report. Our firm routinely obtains these for our clients.
For a report filed with the Police Department in Pontiac, you should request the Animal Control report at the following location:
Pontiac Police Department
110 E. Pike Street
Pontiac, MI 48342
248-857-7890
If you would like more information about your rights after a Dog Bite attack, you can order our FREE book, "The Ultimate Michigan Dog Bite and Animal Attack Handbook" by clicking on the book link. We will send it out immediately along with other important information.
We will represent you in your Michigan dog bite case under our NO FEE PROMISE. This means that you will not be charged any legal fees whatsoever unless we obtain a settlement or recovery for you. You have absolutely no obligation for legal fees unless we win your case. If we do not obtain a settlement for you, you owe us nothing!
It is important that you contact a Michigan dog bite lawyer as soon as possible after the attack to give you the best chance of winning your case. There are also strict time limits for filing dog bite cases in Michigan. For the best chance to win your case, call our Michigan dog bite attorneys now at (800) 606-1717 or simply submit this contact form and we will get back to you quickly.
