Understanding Dog Bite Laws From An Accident Lawyer In Philadelphia PA

By Eve Briner


Area pet owners need to know and understand the relevant dog bite laws. Unfortunately, many do not. For these folks, the serious nature of the offense doesn't hit them until after their dog bites a person or even another animal and by that time, it can then be too late.

To avoid getting into trouble, it's best to familiarize yourself with the law in Philadelphia with regards to your dog and potential of it biting or being bitten.

Dogs Laws At The State Level

Pennsylvania has a general dog confinement law. All pets must be confined securely to prevent them from harming themselves, people and other animals. An owner who fails to keep their animal in such a manner could be found guilty of legal negligence.

A dog should be kept in a secure space, like a fenced yard. When these animals are in public, their owners should have them on collars and chains. There are several exceptions such as dogs used in hunting, as part of training activities, in performances or in dog shows. Aside from these exceptions, however, dogs throughout the state have to be confined.

Why are dog confinement laws even necessary?

The authorities wrote this law to make it easier to place the blame for dog bites. If your animal is properly secured then there is no way it can cause harm. That is unless the victim invaded their space.

However, the theory does not always work in reality. For a variety of reasons, people and animals can come in contact with your dog and can get bitten.

When a dog bite occurs, what happens next?

If your dog bites someone or attacks an animal, the authorities may take it into custody. This is a virtual arrest.

The facts of your case can be reviewed by a judge. While your dog is being quarantined, you will have to cover all costs of incarcerating your animals and the costs of food. If he or she is determined to be vicious, a court can order that your dog be euthanized.

The One Bite Methodology

The state has a one-bite rule. In effect, a dog that has bitten previously presents a foreseeable risk. The next time the dog gets into trouble, the owner can expect to be held liable.

An accident lawyer in Philadelphia PA can help defend against the one-bite rule. In most cases, this legal representative will argue that the victim was trespassing on the property or provoked the dog.

Possible Criminal Charges

Victims have up to two years following the incident to file charges. Any owner who has a dog known to be guilty of attacking people or other animals can be charged with "harboring a vicious animal, " a misdemeanor crime.

Obtain Legal Advice

If you have been the victim of a dog bite, or if your dog has bitten and animal or person, get in touch with an accident lawyer Philadelphia PA residents can trust.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment