Sana
Some people intentionally annoy their neighbors.
In a quiet suburban neighborhood, a concerned resident whose neighbor repeatedly flew a drone at low altitudes in their backyard, antagonizing their dog. Despite OP’s pleas to cease the disruptive activities, the neighbor persisted, asserting that airspace rights were not under OP’s control. Matters came to a head when the neighbor’s drone was finally caught and destroyed by OP’s dog during another unauthorized flight.
Facing the aftermath of the incident, OP found themselves served with a summons, as their neighbor decided to pursue a legal battle in Small Claims court. Determined to protect their rights and their dog’s well-being, OP sought legal advice and discovered the possibility of counter-suing. With the support of an experienced attorney, OP prepared a compelling case that shed light on the neighbor’s repeated disregard for safety and property boundaries. Scroll down for the full story.
OP had a distressing encounter with their neighbor, who angrily confronted them at their door. The neighbor’s frustration stemmed from their drone being flown in OP’s backyard, resulting in their dog catching and destroying it.
OP’s neighbor demanded immediate payment for the drone. OP refused to comply and closed the door on their neighbor. Later, the police arrived at OP’s house to retrieve the drone. The neighbor had falsely claimed that OP denied access to their yard.
OP expresses concern about potential legal repercussions from their neighbor, fearing that they may press charges for destruction of property or file a lawsuit.
OP describes their neighbor’s pattern of flying the drone provocatively low over their yard, specifically to taunt their dog. OP previously contacted the police to report the issue when the neighbor’s actions endangered their dog, resulting in the police advising the neighbor to cease flying the drone in order to prevent further conflict.
Drones have become increasingly popular recreational devices, but with their rising popularity comes a responsibility for drone operators to prioritize safety and respect the privacy of others. While these unmanned aircraft offer exciting possibilities for aerial photography, videography, and leisurely flying, it is essential to remember that their operation should not infringe upon the rights and well-being of fellow residents.
OP provides a small update regarding their neighbor’s continued drone activities in their backyard and the impact on their dog.
OP received a summons from a Sheriff’s Deputy as their neighbor decided to take legal action against them in Small Claims court. OP’s mother-in-law, who works as a paralegal secretary, provided them with a free consultation with a lawyer at her workplace. The lawyer advised OP to consider counter-suing.
The lawyer informed them that both OP and their neighbor reside within 5 miles of an airport which falls under the jurisdiction of the (FAA) regulations. Following the lawyer’s advice, OP contacted the FAA through a hotline found via Google search. During the call, OP reported their neighbor’s activities of flying the drones:
After contacting the FAA and providing their information, OP received a callback indicating that the FAA is conducting an investigation.
In court, OP presented crucial evidence, including police reports, photographs showcasing the backyard and the shared 8-foot high privacy fence, medical bills for their injured dog, and a few short videos capturing instances of the neighbor flying the drone near the dog. The neighbor claimed that OP intentionally installed a table to facilitate the dog’s ability to jump and catch the drone:
OP presented a strong argument in court, emphasizing that the neighbor’s drone flying caused their dog significant anxiety and posed potential dangers. OP was successful in obtaining compensation from the neighbor, who is now required to pay them nearly $2,000 to cover various veterinary expenses. The neighbor has been prohibited from flying drones over OP’s property:
We hope the neighbor faces consequences for breaking laws:
Any drone bigger than 250g should be registered:
As the dust settles on this remarkable legal triumph, the hope remains that this outcome will encourage better understanding and awareness of the rules and regulations surrounding drone usage. Share your thoughts and comments below.
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