Personal Injury Law

Who let the (vicious) dogs out?

By ChristinaBruner

It?s that time of year again.  The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer and the runners and cyclists are getting restless-er.  However, a word to all wise dog owners ? make sure your pet does not follow suit and, following a lazy winter of prolonged naps and indoor play, become caught up in the spring fever and use all of his pent up energy to harass ? or worse, injure ? an innocent passer-by.

New York law imposes a high standard on dog owners, particularly owners of dogs that have ever shown ?vicious propensities,? (legalese for prior displays of mean, unruly and aggressive behavior.)  As a dedicated marathoner, I must say I am glad the law seeks to hold pet owners responsible for misdeeds, yet as a former and likely future dog owner, I recognize the necessity for understanding the basics of New York?s dog owner liability doctrine to avoid legal entanglements.

In brief, under New York law a dog owner is potentially liable for injuries his dog causes to another person if (more…)