He is a 1-year old lab and he got ran over by my neighbors who are also my relatives. He had an emergency surgery - he had 2 holes in his bladder and the surgery cost $1,100. The dog is fine, thank God, but that's a lot of money and they don't want to pay a penny! It happened in their yard and in the village that I live there is no leash law. Their argument is that if the dog was in our yard this wouldn't happened! Of course I want to pursue that but I need an advise if that's going to stand in court. I live in North Carolina by the way. I need an advise bad or I'm gonna' kill'em!

If the accident occurred at night, then read this State law found at :

http://www.animallaw.info/statutes/s...201.htm#s67_12

§ 67-12. Permitting dogs to run at large at night; penalty; liability for damage
No person shall allow his dog over six months old to run at large in the nighttime unaccompanied by the owner or by some member of the owner's family, or some other person by the owner's permission. Any person intentionally, knowingly, and willfully violating this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor, and shall also be liable in damages to any person injured or suffering loss to his property or chattels.

Otherwise small claims court should work.

I am sad for your dog, but glad he will be okay.

I have to ask - Why you were not in control of your pet? I can understand if he dashed out the door and ran to the cars without warning - that is an unfortunate accident. However - If you simply let him roam free (because there is no leash law), it's hard to have sympathy because it seems like you weren't taking very good care for your dog if you let him run into the path of a car.

In either case though, I don't see any reason for the neighbor to share the medical costs of your dog's surgery. It would be a nice gesture if they did, especially since they are relatives of yours, but I don't think it is something they have to do.

I wouldn't recommend it, but I guess there is always legal action you might be able to take...

I would just be glad that your buddy made it, and take it as either an accident, or a lesson learned.