Even though Nevada may be more relaxed when it comes to the type of animals they allow as a pet compared to the other states, it does not mean that residents are free to collect whatever animal they can find. More importantly, if these unique pets cause harm to another individual, their owners can still be held liable for the damages that ensue.
What are the Pet Ownership Laws in Nevada?
According to Nevada’s laws, there are certain animals that are illegal for owners to keep as pets. They include the following:
- Illegal fish: Lampreys, freshwater shark, bowfin, Gars, and freshwater stingray
- Illegal reptiles: Crocodiles, gharial, bird snakes, boomslang, and alligators
- Illegal amphibians: Giant toads or clawed frogs
- Illegal mammals: Wild dogs, mongooses, meerkats, raccoon dogs, bats, coyotes, foxes, skunks, hogs, red deer elk, moose, and reedbucks
- Illegal birds: Red-billed Dioch, red-whiskered bulbul, and Pink Starling or Rosy Pastor
- Illegal crustaceans: Crayfish and Asiatic mitten crab
- Illegal mollusks: Zebras and quagga mussels, New Zealand mud snail, and African giant snails
However, please note that this list is not exhaustive, and there may be other animals that are illegal to own as a pet in Nevada that have not been listed above.
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What Exotic Pets Can You Own in Nevada?
Although a skunk may be off-limits to own as a pet in Nevada, it may take some people by surprise to know that the state does allow several exotic animals to be kept as pets. Take, for instance, the following animals that are legal to own in Nevada:
- Lions
- Hedgehogs
- Tigers
- Ferrets
- Gerbils
- Monkeys
- Parrots
- Elephants
- Zebra
- Domesticated ducks and geese
- Camels
- Alpaca
- Ostrich
- Toucans
- Bison
Yet, keep in mind that even if the state may allow it, the local laws may be more strict. As a result, certain counties may have different regulations regarding these types of animals and which ones can be considered a pet.
Can You Pursue a Legal Claim If You Have Been Injured or Harmed By an Illegally Owned Pet in Nevada?
If you have been harmed by one of these illegally owned pets in Nevada, you need to reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. These lawyers can look into the applicable laws in the state and determine whether or not you have a viable legal case. If you do, they can make sure to perform a thorough investigation into the accident to find out who is at fault for your injuries and damages and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
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Can You Recover Damages if Your Pet has Been Killed or Injured in Nevada?
Another common question many clients have is whether they can recover damages if their pet has been killed or injured in Nevada. According to the regulations, individuals may be liable for certain damages if they harm or destroy another person’s pet, including:
- The veterinary costs due to the injury or death
- The reduction in the market value of the pet due to an injury
- The market value of the pet and the reasonable burial expenses if the pet was killed
- Reasonable attorney fees and costs for bringing an action against the at-fault party for killing or injuring their pet
However, it is vital to note that you cannot sue for these damages if your animal was anything other than a dog or cat. Even though Nevada may allow households to consider certain exotic animals to be their pets, such as a tiger or a ferret, people cannot sue for damages if this specific type of animal was killed or harmed by another individual. According to these laws, these pet owners can only collect these specific damages if the injured pet was a dog or a cat.
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How Can an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Help You if You have Been Harmed By an Illegal Pet in Nevada?
If you have been injured in an accident involving another person’s pet, you need to reach out to a trusted injury attorney as soon as possible. These attorneys can not only get you the legal help you require during this challenging time, but they can also pursue the justice you deserve. In fact, once these attorneys are retained, they can:
- Review your accident in detail, determine the viability of your case, and figure out the legal options you can pursue.
- Answer all the questions and concerns you have regarding the accident and the legal process involved.
- Investigate the accident, secure the evidence required to prove fault and damages, and build the most robust case possible on your behalf.
- Bring in the experts such as doctors to substantiate your claims and establish the extent of your damages.
- Ensure that legal motions are prepared correctly and filed before the statute of limitations expires.
- Handle all the discussions and negotiations with the other side, making sure to fight for a just settlement.
- Take your case to trial if the other side is unwilling to negotiate fairly and pursue maximum damages.
Get the Legal Help You Need with Our Experienced Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one suffered damages because someone’s pet attacked or bit you, do not wait any longer to get the legal help you need. Instead, contact Pacific West Injury Law today for a free case evaluation, and let our knowledgeable personal injury lawyers show you how we can fight for you and your rights.
Call or text 702-602-HURT or complete a Free Case Evaluation form