Neighbor’s Dogs Keep Coming Onto Our Property, Acting Aggressively, And Animal Control Won’t Help — What Can I Do Legally? (michigan)

Hi everyone, I’m at my breaking point and need some legal guidance because I don’t know what else to do. Location: Michigan,

I live in Michigan on about 2 acres. My family and I have lived here for years with no issues — until our neighbor’s husband passed away and their daughter inherited the house. Ever since, we’ve been dealing with ongoing problems with her dogs on our property.

She has two lab-type dogs that roam freely and do not stay on her property. Since July, they’ve been coming into our yard multiple times a day, using it as their bathroom and, worse, acting aggressively toward me and my family. On several occasions, they have cornered us while we were on our own property.

We have video evidence of all of this. I’ve personally had multiple frightening encounters — once when I came home, one of the dogs popped out from the far side of our property and startled me. Another time, I couldn’t even get out of my car because one of the dogs was at the end of our driveway, barking and growling at me. And it’s not just me — the dog actually cornered my husband in the road once, and I had to drive over to pick him up because it was acting so aggressively that he couldn’t get past it safely. Even my mother in law & her dog had to run from the neighbors dogs running at them to our property.

We’ve spoken to the neighbor and multiple members of her family several times. Each time they promise to “take care of it” or say they’re getting a fence, but nothing has changed. We’ve also been in contact with animal control since July. The only thing they’ve done is make contact with her twice — no fines, no citations, no follow-up. The dogs are still roaming, and it’s only getting worse.

Just last night and again today, the dogs were back in our yard. I’m honestly scared for my safety and my family’s safety at this point. I don’t want to be forced out of my home because my neighbors refuse to control their animals.

My questions: • What legal steps can I take in Michigan to protect myself and my property?

• Can I file a formal complaint or take civil action if animal control won’t act?

I just want to feel safe on my own property again. Any advice on what I can do next would be deeply appreciated. If you have made it this far thank you!!