Dog Bite Laws

Dog Bite Laws

Even though a dog bite is a relatively simple, albeit painful, experience, the laws that govern these dangerous incidents can be extremely complicated.  Because dogs are considered property of allegedly responsible human beings, they cannot be held fully responsible in the eyes of the law.  Although it is not uncommon for offending dogs to be put down even after one assault, there are many variables that determine the outcome after a dog mauling.  In an attempt to address the rising number of dog bites throughout California, state law spells out the requirements to protect people against attacks through Civil Code 3342.5

(a) The owner of any dog that has bitten a human being shall have the duty to take such reasonable steps as are necessary to remove any danger presented to other persons from bites by the animal.

(b) Whenever a dog has bitten a human being on at least two separate occasions, any person, the district attorney, or city attorney may bring an action against the owner of the animal to determine whether conditions of the treatment or confinement of the dog or other circumstances existing at the time of the bites have been changed so as to remove the danger to other persons presented by the animal. This action shall be brought in the county where a bite occurred. The court, after hearing, may make any order it deems appropriate to prevent the recurrence of such an incident, including, but not limited to, the removal of the animal from the area or its destruction if necessary.

(c) Whenever a dog trained to fight, attack, or kill has bitten a human being, causing substantial physical injury, any person, including the district attorney, or city attorney may bring an action against the owner of the animal to determine whether conditions of the treatment or confinement of the dog or other circumstances existing at the time of the bites have been changed so as to remove the danger to other persons presented by the animal. This action shall be brought in the county where a bite occurred. The court, after hearing, may make any order it deems appropriate to prevent the recurrence of such an incident, including, but not limited to, the removal of the animal from the area or its destruction if necessary.

(d) Nothing in this section shall authorize the bringing of an action pursuant to subdivision (b) based on a bite or bites inflicted upon a trespasser, or by a dog used in military or police work if the bite or bites occurred while the dog was actually performing in that capacity.

(e) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent legislation in the field of dog control by any city, county, or city and county.
(f) Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the liability of the owner of a dog under Section 3342 or any other provision of the law.

(g) A proceeding under this section is a limited civil case. [Amended 1998 ch. 931.]v

If you were bitten or mauled by a dog you have rights. You may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering.  Don’t hesitate, because California statute of limitation laws can restrict the amount of time you have to take action after your incident. Let a dedicated and knowledgeable dog bite attorney fight for you today.