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 St. Joseph, there are laws that apply to dog owners. These can be found in the St. Joseph Ordinances. Specifically, they are as follows:
Sec. 7-6. Running at large--Prohibited.
No person shall permit any animal or fowl owned by him, or within his charge or possession, to run at large in any street, alley or public place within the city, or upon the premises of another unless by permission of the owner or occupant of such premises. Animals or fowl on a leash no longer than six (6) feet, accompanied by the owner or keeper having reasonable control thereof, shall not be deemed to be running at large.
(Code 1968, §§ 45.01, 64.06)
Cross references: Streets, sidewalks and other public places, Ch. 26.
State law references: Regulation of animals running at large, MCL 433.11 et seq., MSA 18.785(1) et seq.
Sec. 7-8. Dangerous animals.
No person shall keep or maintain any fierce, vicious or dangerous animal, nor allow or permit any such animal to be upon any public street, alley or other public place unless securely caged or muzzled and led by a leash.
(Code 1968, § 43.17)
Sec. 7-9. Examination of vicious animals.
Any animal which shall bite any person or other animal shall be seized and held at the city pound or other suitable place until such time as it can be determined whether or not such animal is suffering from rabies. The owner or keeper of such animal shall pay the expenses of keeping the animal at the rate hereinbefore provided, and also pay all necessary expenses incurred in determining whether such animal is suffering from rabies, and the failure to pay any such charges upon demand, shall be deemed to be a violation of this section.
(Code 1968, § 45.03)
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 St. Joseph, you should request the Animal Control report at the following location:
St. Joseph Police Department
700 Broad Street
St. Joseph, MI 49085
269-983-2572
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.
