If you reside in Orange County, you should understand the local dog bite laws in order to protect yourself in case of a dog bite injury.
Dog bites are a category of personal injury that affects both the owner and dog bite victim.
What happens after a dog bites someone?
After a bite from a domestic or wild animal, anyone with knowledge of the bite must report it to Orange County Animal Care. You as the dog bite victim, witnesses to the attack and the dog owner all have the duty to report. Additionally, the dog owner has a deadline of 48 hours after the time of the bite to provide you with his or her name, phone number and address, plus the dog’s name and its license number.
Who is liable for a dog bite injury?
California’s dog bite laws introduce a “strict liability” standard, which means that pet owners are liable for any damage their dog’s bite caused. It does not matter if a pet does not have a history of violence or attacks.
The strict liability statute only applies to dog bites you sustained in a public place or while you were lawfully on private property. It also only applies to dog owners and not dog trainers or sitters.
Criminal liability might also apply to the dog’s actions if the owner knew that it behaves in an aggressive way that causes injury, and he or she failed to keep the pet restrained.
What are the legal obligations of a dog owner?
Dog owners have many responsibilities which include abiding by ordinances in the area. Dog owners in Orange County must keep their pets restrained by a wall, leash, fence or chain. A dog owner who knows that his or her dog is potentially dangerous must keep it fenced in securely enough to prevent a child from trespassing and keep the pet from getting out.