Public Service Announcement

           to the Residents of Stone Meadow

Recently one of our residents was bitten by a large dog owned by another homeowner walking his dog in the common area on a leash. Initially there was great concern about being able to locate the dog to ensure that it had received the appropriate shots etc. Thankfully the dog was located and there was a happy ending.

Nevertheless, although a violation of the CC&R's had not been committed by the pet owner the fact remains that one of our residents was injured so this begs the question, what is the role of the Association in a situation like this?

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                       The role of the Association

• We cannot play the role of Law Enforcement or some form of "investigative board". If this is necessary, situations like this should be referred to the local Sheriff's Department.

• We cannot pick winners and losers or assess blame or fault on any of the parties.

• Any liability for damages that may exist and any remedy is entirely and solely between the pet owner, the injured party and their insurance companies.

• If the whereabouts of the pet owner and his dog is unknown, upon the resident's written notice of the incident to the Association office, in an attempt to locate the dog, we will send an email notice to all residents requesting information anyone may have concerning the incident.

• We will try to determine if a violation of the CC&R's was committed and take the appropriate action as outlined in the CC&R's.                           

   

• Article 8 of Stone Meadow's 13 Articles of Incorporation lists the purposes for which the Corporation is formed and organized. Included in this list are the following provisions:

(b) To provide an entity for the furtherance of the interests of the Members as may from time to time exist;

(d) To promote the health, safety and welfare of the Owners and the environment within the above described property.....

In keeping with our obligations under these Articles, the Board is offering some suggestions to our residents on what they may do if their pet injures someone or if they have been injured by someone's pet.

It is important to note that this is being provided solely as a Public Service Announcement and it is not to be construed in any way as legal advice but instead simply as things you may want to consider. If legal advice is desired you should obtain the services of an attorney and refer the matter to your insurance company as well.

                  Instructions To Pet Owners

Should your pet injure someone be sure to provide the injured party with the following information:

• Your complete personal contact information, name address, telephone numbers and email address.

• Confirmation that your pet has received all vaccinations.

• The name, address and telephone number of your insurance company as well as your policy number.

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  Additionally, the attached article which recently appeared in AAA Midwest Traveler Magazine is being provided for your information; it covers the following subjects:

   

• Make sure your informed.

• Don't hide the fact that you have a dog from your insurer. 

• Enroll your dog in an obedience course.

• Don't let your dog interact with people unsupervised.

• Keep a medical file on your dogs.

                                 

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         Instructions To Residents Who Have Been Injured

   

• Provide the pet owner with your complete personal contact information, name, address, telephone numbers and email address.

   

• Obtain complete personal contact information of the pet owner; ie. name, address, telephone numbers and email address.

   

• Obtain confirmation that the pet has received all vaccinations.

   

• Obtain the name, address and telephone number of the pet owner's insurance company as well as his policy number.