Legal ground for dog attack on apartment complex?
Location: Michigan
Looking for advice about how to proceed with an incident. Yesterday when I opened my door to leave for work a very large dog charged at my door, barking, and managed to get it's head and front paws into my apartment (doors opens directly into outdoors). I'm a young girl, this dog probably weighs as much as I do. I was thankfully able to keep the door between me and the aggressive dog, while I hear it's owner yelling at it in the background. After several adrenaline-fueled pushes, I'm able to back the dog up and close my door. Seconds later the world is quiet like it never happened, they absolutely bolted and I'm pretty sure live in my building and were able to disappear inside quickly. I was not bitten, but from brief research it was still legally a dog attack due to the severe threat and emotional damage/PTSD, as I had a major panic attack as a result and am still feeling symptoms of my anxiety including chest pain, detachment, mentally reliving the experience constantly, and a general sense of unease and inability to focus on anything else.
My leasing office said without video evidence they can't fine the person, and unfortunately my neighbors ring camera did not pick up the altercation. I did leave a message for the office in tears right after it occurred. My apartment bans certain aggressive breeds, I remember receiving a full list when we moved in but I don't remember exactly what was on it or what this dog was, but I would guess some sort of Mastiff or Great Dane. I don't feel safe to open my door anymore, I was scared for my life, and I feel like nobody will help me do anything about it. Please help!
Posted Mar 6, 2026, 3:46 PM UTC