Legal Definitions - dog-bite statute

A dog-bite statute is a law that holds dog owners responsible for any injuries or damages caused by their dogs. This means that if a dog bites someone or damages their property, the owner can be held liable for the resulting harm.

There are currently around 36 states in the United States that have adopted dog-bite statutes. These laws vary from state to state, but they generally establish strict liability for dog owners.

For example, let's say that a dog owner takes their dog for a walk in a public park. While in the park, the dog bites another person, causing serious injuries. In a state with a dog-bite statute, the owner would be held responsible for the victim's medical bills, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the attack.

Another example might be if a dog escapes from its owner's yard and damages a neighbor's fence. In a state with a dog-bite statute, the owner would be responsible for paying for the repairs to the fence.

These examples illustrate how dog-bite statutes work to protect individuals who are harmed by dogs and to hold dog owners accountable for their pets' actions.