Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Maryland

My neighbor had a dog that ran away 5 1/2 years ago. I bought a puppy in september of 2010 that looked like the one he had. The neighbor noticed our dog and accused me of stealing him. I have the vet records from when he was 8 weeks old and neighbors that know i've had that dog since he was a puppy. He has been telling the neighborhood that I wrongfully own his dog. My question is after I prove that the dog is rightfully mine, can I sue him for defamation of character based on slander?

Asked on 5/31/11, 2:25 pm

Paula McGill Paula McGill Attorney at Law

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It all depends. Did you just talk with the police, or did you call you a thief in front of your neighbors?

Filing a police report that starts and investigation cannot result in an defamation claim in this case.

Answered on 5/31/11, 10:10 pm

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