Need Help with Tenant Issue

[Austin Hanse]

Hey BP, I just had a tenant move in within the last couple weeks and have a situation. There are three pitbulls next door to them that are always outside and bark obnoxiously. Our tenant has two dogs of her own and contacted us yesterday that the pitbulls got through the fence and attacked her dog (The fence between my property and the neighbors is kinda flimsy). She had to take her dog to the vet because the pitbulls were not friendly when they got through the fence. My question is what is my role as a landlord in this situation? Here's a couple thoughts that I'm having.

Do I put up a fence so this is no longer an issue?

Do I talk to the neighbor and ask him to put up a fence?

Do I get the police involved and tell the neighbor that he needs to keep his dogs under control or put up a fence?

Do I not get involved and leave this issue between my tenants and their new neighbor?

Any help is appreciated as I ultimately want to be a good landlord and my tenants to feel safe in their new residence.

[Jeff Willis]

The first thing the attorney will ask you is who owns the fence. The easiest way to tell, though not 100% accurate, is the side of the fence that the poles or posts are on is usually the party that owns the fence. If you own the fence, then talk to your insurance and an attorney and they wil tell you to put up a new one. If it is not your fence, then the other property owner has the responsibility for the fence.

It is up to the tenant to seek redress from the neighbor. As @Russ B. mentioned. the pit bulls mak have special limitations. Call the local Animal Regulation for the answer and to file any complaints. this is not a police issue.