I have a dog with a fenced in yard and a lock on the gate. Children from the block are constantly hopping the fence for one reason or another or simply torment him.

If anybody gets hurt with him locked in my yard, what is my liability?

Should a "Beware Of Dog" sign be posted?

A beware of dog sign indicates that you are warning people that the dog could be dangerous - if the dog does bite you have a higher degree of liability. I have one of those "I can make it to the fence in 5 seconds, can you?" sign to let people know I have dogs, not because they are or could be a problem.

Where are you when this is going on? I think the kids would be less concerned about the dogs and more concerned about me.

Definitely post the sign. As crazy as it sounds, all the locks, fences, gates and signs in the world won't necessarily protect you from any liability should your dog ever injure anyone who hops the fence. You may need to consider pressing trespassing charges against the kids who are always hopping your fence. In short, do whatever you possibly can to demonstrate that you've contained your dog and warned the neighborhood kids not to intrude on your property.

I will post the sign. I don't really want to confront the kids/teenagers because they are somewhat unruly and are the type of people to vandalize my house and car while I sleep. Good neighborhood with some bad seeds.

Thanks for the help

Hello Brody:

If you fence is easily hoppable, and if kids hop over it and get bit, I think you'll be liable. However, if the fence ISN'T easily hoppable, and the kids get in, I think you WON'T be held liable.

I'd get my fence fixing tools out.

excon