Neighbor Tried to Poison My Dog (You Should Do This ASAP!)
Protecting your dog is something you do on a daily basis. It just comes naturally to you. But for some people, they couldn’t care less about your dog and actually want to harm them. An easy way for someone (say your neighbor) to harm your dog is by baiting them with poison.
If you suspect your neighbor tried to poison your dog, you can make them pay. Poisoning a dog is considered animal abuse in all 50 states and can be punishable by up to one or seven years in jail.
But first, protect your dog at all costs if you think they have been poisoned. Contact your local vet immediately and get medical attention before it’s too late.
Once your dog is healing, you can seek legal action. Continue reading to find out everything you need to know if your dog was poisoned and how you can make your awful neighbor pay!
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Here’s a Quick Pro Tip!
It’s impossible to watch your dog 24/7.
Having a decent security system like a Ring Video Doorbell or Outdoor Security Cameras (both on Amazon) is a smart thing to do.
If your neighbors are trying to bait or poison your dog, it’s going to be your word versus theirs unless you can catch them in the act.
- What Can I Do If My Neighbor Poisoned My Dog?
- Can You Sue Neighbors for Poisoning Your Dog?
- What Is the Punishment for Poisoning Dogs?
- Is Poisoning Someone’s Dog Illegal?
- Is Poisoning a Dog Illegal?
- How Do You Tell If Your Dog Has Been Baited?
- Did My Neighbor Poison My Dog?
- What to Do When a Neighbor Threatens to Kill Your Dog?
- Neighbor Poisoned My Dog With Antifreeze
- What to Give a Dog if It Is Poisoned?
- Can You Go to Jail for Killing Someone’s Dog?
- Why Do Neighbors Poison Dogs?
- How Can I Tell if My Neighbor Is Poisoning My Dog?
- What Are the Symptoms of Antifreeze Poisoning in a Dog?
- My Dog Was Poisoned and Died
- Can Dogs Recover From Being Poisoned?
- How Soon Will a Dog Show Signs of Poisoning?
- How Do You Save a Poisoned Dog?
- What Can You Do for a Poisoned Dog at Home?
- How Long Do Toxins Stay In Dogs?
- Related Questions
- Final Thoughts
What Can I Do If My Neighbor Poisoned My Dog?
If you suspect that your neighbor poisoned your dog, you can file a civil lawsuit against them with intent to sue for animal abuse.
As of November 29th, animal abuse is considered a federal crime in the United States of America. Your state will also have specific laws regarding animal abuse. If you choose to sue your neighbor over this, you have to first hire a lawyer who will advise you on the best way to take action against your cruel neighbor.
Can You Sue Neighbors for Poisoning Your Dog?
You can absolutely sue your neighbor for poisoning your dog either in state or federal court.
It is illegal in all 50 states and the District of Columbia for intentionally causing harm to an animal. The laws differ from state to state but, rest assured, you can sue your neighbor with a civil lawsuit.
As of 2019, the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act is a federal law that protects against animal crushing. Animal crushing refers to any intentional act against the health and well-being of an animal, with an intent to harm or kill.
It’s possible that the court will decide that poisoning your dog falls under this law and your neighbor could face some serious consequences on a federal level.
What Is the Punishment for Poisoning Dogs?
The punishment for poisoning dogs depends on if the court decides the case is a civil or federal lawsuit. On the civil level, animal abuse is considered a misdemeanor with up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $5000. If it’s a federal lawsuit, your neighbor will be charged with a felony and can face up to seven years in jail.
It is considered first-degree animal abuse (a Class C felony) if you intentionally poison a dog with the intent to cause bodily harm or death.
A man in Washington County was arrested when he poisoned his neighbor’s dog with meat contaminated with rat poison. He was charged with first-degree animal abuse- up to one year in jail and up to a $5000 fine.
Is Poisoning Someone’s Dog Illegal?
No matter what state you live in, it is illegal to poison someone’s dog. It is considered animal abuse and is punishable in state or federal court.
If you suspect your dog has been poisoned, your dog and your family are protected by the law in this case. Every state has a law against animal abuse and poisoning a dog is definitely considered animal abuse.
Is Poisoning a Dog Illegal?
Poisoning a dog is illegal in every state in America. If you suspect your dog has been intentionally poisoned, call the police immediately.
Poisoning a dog is considered animal abuse and the police will assist you in apprehending whoever is responsible.
How Do You Tell If Your Dog Has Been Baited?
Common symptoms your dog may show if it has been baited include vomiting, diarrhea, panting, and frantic behavior.
Your dog may also appear “out of it” as in having a glazed-over look and inability to walk straight, or even stand up. A sure way to tell if your dog is feeling unwell is to try and give them food or their favorite snack. If they appear uninterested, then something is wrong.
Did My Neighbor Poison My Dog?
If you suspect your neighbor poisoned your dog, call your vet immediately or start driving to your nearest vet if it is open.
If your dog appears unwell, it is possible that they have been poisoned. It’s best to seek medical attention first before trying to figure out what happened. Your dog’s health is your main priority right now.
It’s also possible that your dog may have swallowed a frog. The symptoms are similar. Check out our article on what to do if your dog eats a dead frog if you think this may be the case!
You might also enjoy our post on What to Do if Your Dog Eats a Dead Frog
What to Do When a Neighbor Threatens to Kill Your Dog?
It is actually a crime to threaten to kill a dog. You should call your police immediately and report your neighbor.
Reporting your neighbor is the first step you can take. Now that your dog is in danger, keep him in your sight at all times. Don’t let your dog run free around your yard or neighborhood until the situation is resolved.
Neighbor Poisoned My Dog With Antifreeze
Your neighbor can be seriously punished if you report him for poisoning your dog with antifreeze. If your dog is currently experiencing symptoms, take him to the veterinarian immediately.
Signs of antifreeze poisoning include loss of coordination, fatigue, vomiting, and seizures. Do not try to treat your dog yourself or wait for the symptoms to go away. Take your dog to the vet as soon as you can.
What to Give a Dog if It Is Poisoned?
Hydrogen peroxide is used to make a dog vomit which will rid some of the poison from your dog’s system.
Ensure that you use 3% hydrogen peroxide- anything higher can be toxic to a dog. Give your dog one teaspoon per five pounds of your dog’s body weight. For dogs who weigh over 45 pounds, three tablespoons are the max dosage.
Still take your dog to the vet immediately after your dog has thrown up. Different substances can cause different severity of poison and your dog will need to be assessed and treated immediately.
Can You Go to Jail for Killing Someone’s Dog?
You certainly can go to jail for killing someone’s dog. It is a crime on the state and federal levels.
Killing someone’s dog is considered animal abuse and depending on how the court convicts you, you can either spend up to one year in jail or seven if you are charged on a federal level.
You might also enjoy our post on Neighbor Stole My Dog (Do This to Get Your Dog Back)
Why Do Neighbors Poison Dogs?
Neighbors who poison dogs have no care for a dog’s health or well-being. They may choose to poison a dog if the dog is disrupting their life.
Careless neighbors often choose to poison dogs if the dog is disturbing them. This can be from barking too much or too loud, eating your neighbor’s garden, going through your neighbor’s trash, or simply existing.
How Can I Tell if My Neighbor Is Poisoning My Dog?
If you suspect your neighbor is poisoning your dog, the most accurate way you can find out is to take your dog to the vet and get blood work done.
Your vet will be able to trace any toxins or poisons that are in your dog’s blood. Common poisons neighbors use are rat poison and antifreeze.
What Are the Symptoms of Antifreeze Poisoning in a Dog?
A dog who has been poisoned with antifreeze may appear to be disoriented. They make not be able to take commands as they usually can and may not be able to stand up or walk in a straight line.
Other obvious symptoms include excessive panting, vomiting, diarrhea, pale gums, and rejecting food and water.
My Dog Was Poisoned and Died
You may be subject to compensation if your dog has died from poisoning. It is a crime in every state to abuse a dog and whoever did that crime can be severely punished.
Contact your local police and file a police report if you believe that your neighbor poisoned your dog. You will be able to sue your neighbor if you go that route. Either way, your neighbor can be charged with animal abuse.
Can Dogs Recover From Being Poisoned?
Dogs can recover from being poisoned if they are treated promptly and depending on the severity of the poisoning.
Always take your dog immediately to the vet if you suspect they have been poisoned. Your dog’s liver and kidneys will be most affected by the poisoning. A bland diet will help these organs recover quicker.
How Soon Will a Dog Show Signs of Poisoning?
Symptoms of poisoning will start to show depending on the amount of poison ingested and the type of poison that was used.
Signs can start to show either right away or up to a few hours after consumption. This also depends on the size and breed of your dog. Smaller dogs will usually start to show symptoms right away whereas larger dogs may take up to 8 hours to show symptoms.
How Do You Save a Poisoned Dog?
To save a dog that has been poisoned, take them to a vet immediately. Professional help is needed in a case like this.
Your vet will be able to determine the severity of the poisoning and the appropriate course of action. They may need to resuscitate your dog if their heart is affected or pump their stomach. You should not attempt to do these procedures yourself.
If you cannot make it to a vet and no emergency vet is available, administer 3% hydrogen peroxide to your dog, one teaspoon per every five pounds of your dog’s weight, to make your dog vomit. This will rid the body of some of the poisoning and buy you time until you can see your vet.
What Can You Do for a Poisoned Dog at Home?
If you must treat your poisoned dog at home, try the hydrogen peroxide remedy mentioned above. But, at all costs, if you can get to a vet, go.
Numbers to call if you have to treat your dog at home:
- Pet Poison Helpline – 1-855-764-7661
- North Shore America / ASPCA Hotline – 1-888-232-8870
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at – 1-888-426-4433
The most important thing you can do for your dog is to stay calm. Easier said than done but your dog can sense your stress levels which may elevate theirs and speed up the toxicity rate. Remaining calm will also help you make better choices.
Call any of those numbers above and listen very carefully to what they tell you. They are professionals there to help but you have to be calm in order to assist your dog.
How Long Do Toxins Stay In Dogs?
Toxins can stay in your dog for 8 – 10 hours but your dog only has two hours to get rid of the toxins until they can cause serious damage.
It’s vital to get the toxins out of your dog as soon as possible. If poison stays in your dog for longer than two hours, it can have serious impacts on your dog’s health.
Related Questions
Is It Illegal to Put Rat Poison in My Yard?
It is illegal to put rat poison in your yard if it is not in an enclosed area protected from anything that could accidentally ingest it.
If you are putting rat poison in your yard with an intent to harm an animal, other than the rodent you are baiting. You can not use rat poison to target a dog or cat, or any other small animal that the rat poison is not intended for.
Is It Illegal to Put Poison in My Yard?
If you put poison in your yard, it has to be in a protected baiting station. This is to protect other animals from accidentally ingesting the poison.
So, it is only illegal if you use the poison irresponsibly and with the intent to kill anything other than you are baiting with your bait station. It is illegal to bait dogs and cats.
What Do I Do if I Suspect My Neighbor Is Poisoning My Cat?
If you suspect your neighbor is poisoning your cat, call the police immediately and have them investigate.
Poisoning cats is animal abuse in all 50 states and is considered a crime. If you think your neighbor is poisoning your cat, contact the police first. Then, keep your cat inside at all times until the situation is resolved.
Final Thoughts
It is absolutely traumatizing to have your neighbor poison your dog. Some people can be so cruel it’s difficult to even fathom. Thankfully, the legal system is in place to protect your dog from that ever happening again.
Your neighbor can be charged with first-degree animal abuse and you can sue them, as well. Contact a lawyer as soon as you can and get the process started.
