California Dangerous Dog Law

California is a very dog-friendly state. Animal welfare is taken seriously and protections are enshrined in the law. However, it is also recognized that there are dangerous ones among them. Thousands of people get bitten every year with varying results. Most will be so minor that individuals can brush them off. Others will be so severe that they need medical help. Owners should be careful when bringing a dog into a home as this comes with a lot of responsibilities. They must take good care of the animal while also looking out for the people that these might come into contact with.

Failure to Control Dangerous Animals

Some have violent tendencies that are inherent in their breed. Others might develop these tendencies because of the way that they were raised. The aggression should be controlled through proper care, appropriate training, and safety measures. Those who fail to control dangerous animals may be held liable for the damages they cause. This means hefty fines and even jail time for the worst cases — that is, those ending in serious injuries or death. Civil suits may also be initiated to get compensation for physical injuries. The best way to deal with these legal issues is to avoid them altogether by doing the right things for prevention.

The Strict Liability Rule

Every state has its own way of dealing with dog bite cases. For California, the California dangerous dog law adhere to the strict liability rule. This means that owners are liable for damages whether they knew that the dog is dangerous or not. They cannot make the excuse that the pet was good before the incident. They must always exercise caution and remain vigilant when it comes to safety. In other states, owners can get a pass the first time their dogs act uncharacteristically violent. This initial incident may be deemed as a warning to all with no further action taken. Once a dog has bitten someone, owners should step up their efforts in preventing a repeat.

Possible Defenses to Avoid Liability

Dog owners in California may still be able to avoid liability by putting up credible defenses. One common defense is the unlawful entry of the victim in the owner’s private property. For example, someone might have trespassed into a home and dogs instinctively attacked to defend their territory. Another defense is the taunting of the victims which angered the animals. If someone throws a rock at a dog, then he is to blame for the ensuing aggression. Police dogs might also be excused for biting someone if they were in the line of duty. Talk to a lawyer for more information about California dangerous dog law.