Destruction of fence

I need advise.I have put up a brand new fence in place of an old one.The nieghbors horse keeps pushing on it and bending it down and in ome cases have broken it completely.I have fixed and replaced some of it already and have asked nieghbor to please do something about destroying the fence and they became very irrate.Are they legally responsable for repairs and ar there any laws about contanment of there animals?Are there RCW: laws pertanting to these matters and where can I find them? They seem to think that I am responsable for there horses destruction.Help finding RCW: laws is greatly appreciated.Thank You

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lonewolf885@webtv.net

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by lonewolf:

I have put up a brand new fence in place of an old one.The nieghbors horse keeps pushing on it and bending it down and in ome cases have broken it completely.I have fixed and replaced some of it already and have asked nieghbor to please do something about destroying the fence and they became very irrate.Are they legally responsable for repairs and ar there any laws about contanment of there animals?
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

To hold the horse owners responsible for the fence, you need to prove that 1)you own the fence AND it sits on your property; 2) you spent xx dollars maintaining or repairing the fence 3)the horse is directly responsible for the fence damage (photos/videos of the horse leaning, or hoofprints by the damage etc). Send a certified letter asking for reimbursement for the property damage. Alternatively, you could try to file under your homeowner insurance and let them try to recoup those expenses. Regarding animals laws, check with your county or town ordinances.

Animal owners are strictly liable for damages caused by their animals. Read RCW 16. Pay particular attention to 16.04 and 16.60. You can apparently sieze the horse & hold him hostage until they pay you for the fence! As long as the fence is entirely on your land, it's their responsibility to go to the feed store & buy some electrical fencing to keep the horse from chewing or leaning on your fence.



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This is not legal advice and you are not my client. Double check everything with your own attorney and your state's laws. ppls@qwest.net - please include some facts so I know who you are!