Hey there, I’ve got a bit of a situation on my hands, and I’m hoping you can help me out. I’m reaching out from sunny San Diego, California, where the beaches are beautiful, but my current problem? Not so much. So, here’s the deal. I run a small cafe near Balboa Park, you know, the place with all the museums and the zoo. It’s a chill spot where people can grab a coffee, maybe a pastry, and enjoy the day. But, I’ve got this neighbor, right? Let’s call them "Alex." Alex has this dog, a big, friendly-looking thing that they always tie up outside while they pop in for their morning latte.

Now, I love animals, truly. I’ve got two rescue cats at home, and I’m all for pet-friendly places. But here’s where it gets tricky. Alex’s dog, while a gentle giant at heart, has been causing some issues. There’s been a couple of instances where the dog, probably out of boredom or maybe anxiety, has snapped at customers. Nothing serious, mind you, but enough to scare a few folks and, honestly, it’s scaring me too. I’m worried about the safety of my customers, not to mention the legal minefield this could turn into if someone actually gets hurt.

So, here’s my question: What are my legal obligations here, and what rights do I have in this situation? I mean, I don’t want to cause trouble for Alex or their furry friend, but I also can’t have my customers feeling unsafe. Is there a way to approach this that protects everyone involved? And if things go south, what should I be prepared for, legally speaking? I’ve heard California has pretty strict laws when it comes to animal rights and public safety, so any guidance on navigating this would be massively appreciated. Thanks a ton for taking the time to help me figure this out.