Responsible for Stray Dog

[kmadams68]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Florida
My brother picked up a stray dog off a busy Orlando street to keep it from getting run over. He stopped at a friends house and call animal control to come and pick it up. While he was waiting the dog ran off. A few minutes a man came running up to him screaming that "his" dog killed this mans dog. My brother said it is not my dog I was just waiting for the animal control to come and get it. The man called to police and they said that my brother is responsible for the actions of the stray dog because he picked it up. Is this true? How can my brother be held accountable?

[ecmst12]

Anything is possible but there is definitely a defense for him in there. He should report the situation to his homeowners or renters insurance so they can handle it.

[libra58]

Originally Posted by kmadams68

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Florida
My brother picked up a stray dog off a busy Orlando street to keep it from getting run over. He stopped at a friends house and call animal control to come and pick it up. While he was waiting the dog ran off. A few minutes a man came running up to him screaming that "his" dog killed this mans dog. My brother said it is not my dog I was just waiting for the animal control to come and get it. The man called to police and they said that my brother is responsible for the actions of the stray dog because he picked it up. Is this true? How can my brother be held accountable?

What an unfortunate situation for all..I would guess that they (police) are taking the position that since Your brother took custody/control of this stray He is somehow responsible for it's actions, so much for being a good samaritan...Did animal control ultimately get the dog in their custody? I would try to get a written report from animal control about the incident with the control officers name..Maybe, just Maybe the actual owner will come forward..or be found & shift the responsibility exactly where it belongs. I would keep an eye on lost & found ad's, could be this dog may have an owner that is looking for it...sorry I can't offer anything other than these suggestions...check to see if Your state has any "good Samaritan laws" that could some how be used, I don't know if they (laws) address this type of incident.