If my dog chewed a cable TV wire, am I responsible for getting the cable fixed or trying to protect it from my dog or is the cable company?
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If my dog chewed a cable TV wire, am I responsible for getting the cable fixed or trying to protect it from my dog or is the cable company?
I have a cable box in my backyard but do not have cable TV. My dog chewed up one of the cables, which, of course, frustrates my neighbors. I think the cable company should have to take reasonable measures to protect the cable, such as burying it with PVC pipe.
Asked on August 31, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Texas
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
As the owner of the dog, you would be liable for damage to the cable caused by your dog. A dog owner would be liable for negligence for damage caused by the dog. Negligence is the failure to exercise due care (that degree of care that a reasonable dog owner would have exercised under the same or similar circumstances to prevent foreseeable harm).
You might want to check your homeowner's insurance policy to see if such an incident would be covered since it occurred on your property.
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