Massachusetts General Laws ch. 140 sec. 165 – Investigation of damages caused by dogs; settlement; action against owner or keeper; payments over to city or town treasurer
Section 165. A city or town may investigate any case of damage done by a dog of which the chair of the board of selectmen, mayor or animal control officer shall have been informed as provided in section 161. If the chair, mayor or animal control officer believes that the evidence is sufficient to sustain an action against the owner or keeper of the dog and believes that such owner or keeper is able to satisfy any judgment recovered in an action, the chair, mayor or animal control officer shall bring the action unless the owner or keeper pays the amount in settlement of the damage as the chair, mayor or officer deems reasonable before the action is brought. The action may be brought in the name of the chair, mayor or animal control officer prosecuting the action and the chair, mayor or animal control officer shall have the same powers and authority as animal control officers appointed under section 151 and acting under sections 136A to 174E, inclusive. All damages received or recovered under this section shall be paid over to the city or town treasurer.
Terms Used In Massachusetts General Laws ch. 140 sec. 165
- Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Settlement: Parties to a lawsuit resolve their difference without having a trial. Settlements often involve the payment of compensation by one party in satisfaction of the other party's claims.