I'm not sure if you need a lawyer. just file it pro se..I found a statute in florida that pertains to your situation.
Florida Statutes
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Florida Statutes
TITLE XLV TORTS
CHAPTER 767 DAMAGE BY DOGS
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767.13 Attack or bite by dangerous dog; penalties; confiscation;
destruction. —
(1) If a dog that has previously been declared dangerous attacks or bites
a person or a domestic animal without provocation, the owner is guilty of a
misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s.
775.083. In addition, the dangerous dog shall be immediately confiscated by
an animal control authority, placed in quarantine, if necessary, for the
proper length of time, or impounded and held for 10 business days after the
owner is given written notification under s. 767.12, and thereafter
destroyed in an expeditious and humane manner. This 10-day time period
shall allow the owner to request a hearing under s. 767.12. The owner shall
be responsible for payment of all boarding costs and other fees as may be
required to humanely and safely keep the animal during any appeal
procedure.
(2) If a dog that has not been declared dangerous attacks and causes
severe injury to or death of any human, the dog shall be immediately
confiscated by an animal control authority, placed in quarantine, if
necessary, for the proper length of time or held for 10 business days after
the owner is given written notification under s. 767.12, and thereafter
destroyed in an expeditious and humane manner. This 10-day time period
shall allow the owner to request a hearing under s. 767.12. The owner shall
be responsible for payment of all boarding costs and other fees as may be
required to humanely and safely keep the animal during any appeal
procedure. In addition, if the owner of the dog had prior knowledge of the
dog's dangerous propensities, yet demonstrated a reckless disregard for
such propensities under the circumstances, the owner of the dog is guilty
of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082
or s. 775.083.
(3) If a dog that has previously been declared dangerous attacks and
causes severe injury to or death of any human, the owner is guilty of a
felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s.
775.083, or s. 775.084. In addition, the dog shall be immediately
confiscated by an animal control authority, placed in quarantine, if
necessary, for the proper length of time or held for 10 business days after
the owner is given written notification under s. 767.12, and thereafter
destroyed in an expeditious and humane manner. This 10-day time period
shall allow the owner to request a hearing under s. 767.12. The owner shall
be responsible for payment of all boarding costs and other fees as may be
required to humanely and safely keep the animal during any appeal
procedure.
(4) If the owner files a written appeal under s. 767.12 or this section,
the dog must be held and may not be destroyed while the appeal is pending.
(5) If a dog attacks or bites a person who is engaged in or attempting to
engage in a criminal activity at the time of the attack, the owner is not
guilty of any crime specified under this section.
History. — s. 4, ch. 90-180; s. 4, ch. 93-13; s. 4, ch. 94-339.
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