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Welcome to the lawyer is in, where Darryl Vernon, an attorney and defender of hounds, answers your legal questions. Need help? Carefully search our vast library of information by scrolling down this page and using our Hound Law search engine (in a box to the right).

Remember, urbanhound's The Lawyer Is In is not a substitute for legal advice; it's an educational resource. If you have legal problems, hire a lawyer. Don't know where to find one? Call the Legal Referral Service of The Association of the Bar of the City of New York at 212-626-7373 or visit their website. The lawyers on their referral list offer initial consultations for $35. As well, the ASPCA's legal department, at 212-876-7700 x4551, has a list of lawyers who handle pet-related issues and information about pets and housing in New York City. Finally, Darryl Vernon, a partner with New York's Vernon & Ginsberg, LLP, can be reached at 212-949-7300, ext. 201.

legal questions from urbanhounders


	Custody Issues
	When my live-in boyfriend and I broke up, he kept the dog while I looked for a new place. Now he refuses to give me custody. While living together, we both took care of the dog, but the dog is registered in my name and I took on all the associated financial responsibilities. What are my rights? How can I get my dog back? Answer>>
	Housing Issues
	Does the Three-Month Rule apply to co-ops and condos as well as rental apartments? Answer>>

	I have one dog, but I sometimes keep friends' dogs in my apartment (and have been doing so for more than three months). My landlord now threatens to evict me if he sees me with more than one dog. He claims that he has me on video with a few dogs. Can he evict me? Answer>>

	My parents live in a "no-pets" building, but they sometimes have my dog stay over for a few days. Their management company is harassing them about this. Do they have any rights to have my dog visit? Answer>>

	I live in a condo in Manhattan that only allows dogs 20lbs or under, even though there are several bigger dogs (including mine) that live there. Recently I got a letter from our managing agent telling me to get rid of my dog. What can I do? Answer>>

	My lease says I am allowed two dogs in my apartment. I have six. All of them have been out in plain view for well over three months. Recently, I received a letter from my landlord telling me I am only allowed two dogs, and asking me to promptly get rid of the extra four. Can I be evicted? Answer>>

	Because I have a dog, my landlord wants to evict me. Do I have any rights? Answer>>

	Soon after I got a puppy, I received a letter of complaint from my landlord. But after we spoke by phone, he said I could keep the dog as long as no one complained. That was more than four months ago. My question: if he changes his mind, am I legally protected under the Three Month Rule? Answer>>

	Can a co-op board reject me because they don't like the look and breed of my dog? Answer>>

	My dog barks all day while I am at work. Can I be evicted? Answer>>

	My co-op board has deemed my dog a “nuisance.” Now they’ve given me an ultimatum: get rid of your dog or move out. What can I do? Answer>>
	Liability Issues
	My small dog was attacked by an angry Cocker Spaniel at the dog run. Can I sue the Spaniel's owner? Answer>>

	My dog was killed on the sidewalk when an air conditioner fell on him from a tenth-floor apartment. Can I sue? Answer>>

	While in the care of a dog walking service, my Golden Retriever ripped apart and swallowed a tennis ball. Because some of the pieces got lodged in her stomach, she had to undergo $2,500 worth of surgery. Can the dog walker be held liable for negligence? Answer>>
	Miscellaneous
	Is it constitutionally legal for a city to limit the number of dogs a family may have? Answer>>

	My neighbor has a soft spot for stray animals. Her one-bedroom menagerie now includes nine dogs, five cats and one injured pigeon. Can this be legal? Answer>>
	Transportation
	What is the policy on pets on the subway? What about in cabs? Answer>>


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