How Can Dog Owners Comply with The Law and Defend Themselves And Their Pet(s)?
The bond between a dog and their human is as strong as any family relationship. In California, nearly half of all households have one or more dogs, with an estimated 5.3 million pet dogs in Los Angeles County alone. Along with the joys of dog ownership, however, comes significant legal responsibility to ensure you comply with the law, you take all reasonable steps to protect the public from potential dog bites, and if it comes to lawsuits, how to defend yourself and your pet.
Understanding California’s Strict Liability Laws
California enforces strict liability statutes for dog bite incidents. This means dog owners are held legally responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of whether the dog has shown prior aggression. Victims can pursue compensation for medical bills, pain, and suffering. Furthermore, dog bites must be reported to animal control, which may initiate proceedings to declare a dog dangerous or even seek its removal.
Here Are Some Steps You Could Take to Comply With The Law That Could Protect You and Your Dog
- Follow Local Laws:
It is always a good idea to follow all local laws and ordinances such as any required licensing, vaccinations and leash laws. Abiding by these regulations can go a long way to demonstrate responsibility and can help in legal defenses. - Train and Socialize Your Dog:
Proper training and exposure to different environments are always beneficial for responsible dog ownership as they can reduce the risk of aggressive behavior. You may look into enrolling in professional training classes if necessary to address behavioral issues. - Maintain Control in Public:
Often, a key issue in dog bite cases is whether you have kept your dog leashed, or effectively controlled and/or restrained, in public spaces, and supervise interactions with other people and pets to prevent incidents. - Secure Your Property:
Some ways to prevent accidents include but are not limited to ensuring that your yard is fenced, gates are secure, and there are clear warnings (such as signs) to prevent trespassing. This helps protect both your dog and others from unintentional harm. - Get Pet Liability Insurance:
Many homeowner’s insurance policies include coverage for dog-related incidents, but you may need additional pet liability insurance depending on your breed or location.
Seek Legal Advocacy
If you find yourself facing a dog bite lawsuit or animal control investigation, it’s essential to have experienced legal representation. The Law Offices of Ali Taheripour have extensive experience in the practice area of dog bites, both on behalf of plaintiffs and on behalf of defendants, because we recognize that each case comes with a different set of circumstances that must be taken into account. Our team understands the emotional and legal challenges of these cases and is dedicated to safeguarding both your rights and your pet’s future.