In either case, you should immediately hire an attorney. This means the owner of a dog that bites someone faces liability in a civil lawsuit for the victim’s injuries even if the animal has never bitten before and the owner had no reason to believe the animal was dangerous.. “Make it clear you are in this with the victim. The mere fact that a dog might bite someone would suggest that the dog owner has been negligent because they failed to properly control the animal. Learn what happens if your dog bites someone. The injured person can sue you for any money they paid for their injuries. If they act in a friendly, docile manner, you are praised for having raised them so well. Allow it to sniff you. They may think it's part of the fun at first, but even that can turn to aggression quickly. “This means dog owners are responsible for the actions of their dogs, no ifs or buts,” he says. Dog bites are often in the news, especially if they prove fatal. Most dogs bite people they know. “If you are nice, the victim may decide to go easy on both you and your dog.”. If the kid tell the parent and wants to call the cops, does my dog automatically get put down? Under the Act, it's illegal for a dog to be 'out of control' or to bite or attack someone. Section 35A (2) contains a similar offence. If your animal bites someone, you could be sued in both civil and criminal court. The child’s parents could have sued for damages, and law enforcement could have chosen to euthanize Pebbles as a dangerous dog. What Happens to Me If My Dog Bites Someone. The consequences of a dog bite depend on the severity of the bite, the relationship you have with the person who was bitten, and even your dog’s breed. If the attack happened because of an intruder, different rules could apply, Bisnar says, but generally speaking, any dog bite in California is considered the dog owner’s fault. California, for example, has a “strict liability statute” when it comes to dog attacks, according to Bisnar. 1. By using The Spruce Pets, you accept our, Use These Tips to Keep Your Dog From Biting, How to Handle Your Dog Being Aggressive During Nail Clippings, Help Your Dog Get Over Its Fearing Strangers, How to Train Your Dog to Safely Interact With Kids, How to Stop Your Dog From Barking Excessively, How to Stop Possessive Aggression in Dogs. Depending on the severity of the bite, an ambulance may be needed. This scenario is one that many pet owners would prefer not to think about. However, the truth is that even kind and gentle dogs can bite under the wrong circumstances. He tends to after the cheeks and ears. In most cases, a dog bite can be easily prevented by taking the proper safety measures. As a dog owner, you must take responsibility for training your dog and keeping them under control at all times. Dr. Monica Tarantino is a small animal veterinarian based in the Charlotte, NC area with five years of general practitioner experience. If a dog bites, attacks, or hurts someone in this state, it may be labeled as a dangerous or nuisance dog. By: Caitlin UltimoPublished: November 9, 2015. They are an extension of your own behavior. In many states, it is illegal to leave the scene if your dog bites someone. A dog that bites a person is typically quarantined for a minimum of 10 days, he said. Knowledge again plays a part as for a dog owner to be held negligent it would have to be shown not just that they potentially failed to prevent the accident but also that they were aware that the accident could happen. Should you ever find yourself in a similar situation, you need to act responsibly. At the very least, put your dog through basic, Learn your dog's body language, as well as. Your dog can bite someone anywhere at any time. The victim may need professional medical assistance. Animal control can seize the dog and, in the worst case, euthanize it. Dogs may bite in defense of themselves, their territory, or a member of their pack. Inform local authorities of the incident and comply with their orders. In the meantime, take steps to protect others from your dog by confining him. Dog Court– Animal control may pay you a visit and take action against you and/or your dog. This is because, if they do decide to hire an attorney, whatever you say can be used against you. I don't knwo fi the laws are different elsewhere. When a visitor to a pet dog proprietor’s home or building endures a canine bite injury, the owner is most likely liable for the resulting problems. If your dog bites someone and you are uninsured, the costs of medical care, legal expenses and other fines could easily cost thousands of dollars and leave you financially ruined. Most often dogs bite people when they feel threatened in some way. Teach these things to children as well so everyone knows what to do to prevent dog bites. Many dogs with aggression can be helped through training, socialization, and behavior modification. And half of the people bitten by dogs are children between the ages of 5 and 9. However, that does not excuse the behavior, and the situation will have to be handled. Work with a vet or veterinary behaviorist to determine why your dog lashed out. The consequence of this media attention is that the courts and the public have grown intolerant of this behavior in dogs, according to Kenneth M. Phillips, an attorney in Beverly Hills, California, and author of DogBiteLaw.com, dog owners are at considerable risk of being sued if their dog bites someone. Evict Them With These Flea Treatments for the Home. You should also contact an attorney if you don’t have insurance and the victim asks you for money. He will likely be quarantined at a local shelter or veterinarian’s office. Exchange contact information with the victim. The Spruce Pets uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Offer to take the person to the hospital and to pay for the victim’s medical bills. Above all, it is the ethical thing to do, even if you have an explanation for the dog bite. If it's thyroid disease, medication can control the disease, including aggressive behaviours that may result. If you can provide proof of a current rabies vaccine, you will save the victim having to endure treatment for rabies, and may reduce the amount of time your dog is held in quarantine. Because of that one moment, my friend found herself at risk of a lawsuit, and Pebbles at risk for his life. He's been nibbling, and I'm worried he will bite someone at the park and I'll get in trouble. No matter how minor the bite is, the victim should seek medical care. If a canine bit someone on your property, you may need to fight a lawsuit. 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