So this morning I was playing fetch with my lab in a enclosed baseball field in a park amongst 7 other fields. Animal control pulled up so I immediately put my dog a on a leash. He told me my dog needed to be on a leash... and by now, my dog was on a leash and I was walking back to my car. I said okay and continued walking.
The next thing I knew, he yelled at me "DON'T WALK AWAY FROM ME." I stopped for a second but honestly, got a little scared. We were totally alone in this 2 acre park. I didn't know if he was going to try to take my dog or what. I just walked at a normal pace back to my car with the animal control officer chasing me in his car. I got in my car and left.
The animal control called the police who came immediately and pulled me over. I listened and was completely cooperative with the police. I ended up getting a ticket for no leash and a misdemeanor for interference. I have to appear in court.
My question is...
1. What authority does animal control have? Do I have to listen to their instructions? I didn't feel that he exhibited a sense of professionalism for me to believe he was going to treat me fairly... I honestly didn't know what was going to happen. He chased me (while I was on foot) down in his 3 ton truck.
2. Is it really interference if at the time, I wasn't breaking any laws and my dog wasn't a threat to anyone?
3. What can I do to prepare for my court appearance. I have no idea what to expect or what is going to happen.
Your help would be great appreciated. BTW, this is Los Angeles county, City of Torrance.
Best regards,
aaron
The next thing I knew, he yelled at me "DON'T WALK AWAY FROM ME." I stopped for a second but honestly, got a little scared. We were totally alone in this 2 acre park. I didn't know if he was going to try to take my dog or what. I just walked at a normal pace back to my car with the animal control officer chasing me in his car. I got in my car and left.
The animal control called the police who came immediately and pulled me over. I listened and was completely cooperative with the police. I ended up getting a ticket for no leash and a misdemeanor for interference. I have to appear in court.
My question is...
1. What authority does animal control have? Do I have to listen to their instructions? I didn't feel that he exhibited a sense of professionalism for me to believe he was going to treat me fairly... I honestly didn't know what was going to happen. He chased me (while I was on foot) down in his 3 ton truck.
2. Is it really interference if at the time, I wasn't breaking any laws and my dog wasn't a threat to anyone?
3. What can I do to prepare for my court appearance. I have no idea what to expect or what is going to happen.
Your help would be great appreciated. BTW, this is Los Angeles county, City of Torrance.
Best regards,
aaron
