Yes, you can potentially sue a neighbor if their dog poops in your yard and they fail to pick it up. The success of such a lawsuit would depend on local laws and the specific circumstances of the case.
Under common law, dog owners have a duty of care to prevent their pets from causing harm or damage to others, including leaving dog waste on someone else’s property. If a dog owner breaches this duty by failing to clean up their pet’s waste, they could be sued for negligence. You would need to provide evidence of the dog waste and identify the responsible dog owner, possibly through modern methods like DNA testing if available.
Hiring a professional service to clean up the waste or reporting the issue to local authorities are alternatives to consider before taking legal action. Suing might not always lead to a significant financial settlement but can be aimed at making the responsible party clean up and prevent future occurrences.
Laws regarding this issue vary by location. In some places, not picking up dog poop can result in fines or penalties, and local ordinances may provide specific guidelines on how to address such issues. Before proceeding with legal action, it would be prudent to consult with a legal professional familiar with the local and state laws applicable to your situation.