Tag Archives: dispute resolution

City to Paws Influence

Cat code

Lawsuits against pets may not only produce an interesting storyline in local news, but may also result in a high payday for the owner. A recent issue, concerning a house cat roaming freely in a Washington neighborhood, has reached national headlines. Miska, owned by Anna Danieli, has been the subject of a three-year legal battle. Due to allegations that Miska provoked other pets in the neighborhood and trespassed on surrounding properties, Danieli has been required to pay fines in excess of $30,000. The toxicity of the situation escalated to the point of animal control temporarily throwing the cat in feline jail. Continue reading →

Moving Toward an Agreement

Neighborhood disputes

New England is home to the country’s most beautiful residential properties, as well as the frivolous lawsuits that stem from neighbor disputes. Some of the more common quarrels shared across America’s neighborhoods involve fence or property lines, noisy pets, mischievous children, and parking or easement rights. While one Massachusetts family’s grievance is ending, a New Hampshire woman’s court battle with her neighbor is in the beginning stages. The common thread between the two issues is the prolonged attempt to resolve the disputes on their own, prior to filing claims in court. Continue reading →

Housing Hostility

Discrimination dispute

A Boca Raton, FL community of 700 affluent homes is the location of one of the more recent legal disputes involving alleged discrimination. One of the residents, who identifies as Christian, claims that she has been the subject of religious discrimination within a community that is primarily Jewish. Known as Seven Bridges, the homes are maintained by an HOA. Those living there may enjoy access to tennis courts, a pool, and a clubhouse. The Christian resident, whom is the plaintiff in the case, said she was denied access to these amenities for 330 days following a spat with one of her Jewish neighbors. The plaintiff was also subjected to a $5,000 fine for her part in the dispute. For what she identifies as a hostile housing environment, the plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the HOA for neglecting to resolve the matter. Continue reading →

Dog Finds a New Home

Dog dilemma

Pending a federal lawsuit, the ownership of a dog named Max was up in the air for about five years.  He was not allowed to be adopted or euthanized until a settlement was reached. Max has been described as a vicious dog who apparently attacked individuals who came to the home of his owner, to take him to the hospital.  The emergency responders claimed the dog ran from the home after the alleged attack and was seen running around town.  Although the owner, Charlie Holt, was admitted into the hospital, the shelter that picked up Max said Holt was too late in claiming him.  Due to Holt’s stay in the hospital, it would have been impossible for him to come for the dog during the shelter’s five-day window. As a result, Holt filed a lawsuit in 2016. Continue reading →