What is a Nuisance?Nuisance law restricts landowner's use or property so as not to disturb with another's use and enjoyment of land. Nuisances are classified as a public nuisance, private nuisance, or both. Private nuisance is a civil wrong based on a disturbance of rights in land affecting an individual or small group. A public nuisance is where the interference affects the rights of the community at large.
How Can an Animal be a Nuisance?Animals or the places where they are kept may become nuisances. Typically, the noises made by animals or the odor of them may cause a nuisance when they affect the comfort of those living in the community. Other common causes of action for animal nuisances include: - Incessant dog barking that disturbs the sleep and quiet enjoyment of others within the community
- Continually allowing neighboring pets to urinate or defecate on public or another's property
When Does an Annoyance Become a Legal Nuisance?To constitute as a nuisance, the noise, odors, or other objectionable characteristics of the keeping of the animals must be shown to materially offend a reasonable person. Can a Pig or Cow Farm be a Nuisance?Pig or cow farms often result in noxious odors, vermin, noise, and pollution. These farms may constitute a nuisance if they significantly interfere with public health, safety, peace, comfort, or convenience of the general public. In a nuisance lawsuit, courts will generally consider factors such as: - Whether the farm was built first before other residential properties
- The social value of the farming
- The surrounding community
- The type of harm the nuisance causes
- Whether the injured person or persons knew about the farm before moving to the area
- Whether the farmer has complied with state, federal, and local regulations
Should You Seek an Attorney to Help Resolving a Nuisance Issue?Courts can take into consideration a variety of factors in evaluating a nuisance case. Some courts have emphasized the zoning ordinances or nature of the area in which the nuisance takes place. An experienced real estate attorney will help you distinguish what is central to your cause of action and certainly will support you in resolving your case. |
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