Will I Have To Register My Dog As A Vicious Animal

Y'all may be sued if your domestic dog bites a person or attacks another animal.

The person who's been harmed — or the person whose animals have been harmed — may file a civil lawsuit against yous, seeking monetary redress. Run into our folio on Stages of a Civil Trial for more data almost what is likely to ensue, in that example.

They may also file a complaint seeking to take your domestic dog declared dangerous — and possibly even to take your dog euthanized or removed to a new home out of the community.

This page is a cursory overview of what to expect in that result. It is not a substitute for an attorney. An attorney can best advise y'all on how to protect yourself and your dog, if someone is seeking to take your dog declared dangerous.

Hither are the basics:

The law varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction:

There is no federal dangerous dog law. States volition take their ain unsafe dog law. Some counties and cities besides have unsafe domestic dog laws.

These laws will vary every bit to what beliefs is deemed unsafe. In some, 1 bite can atomic number 82 to a dangerous dog decision; in others, the canis familiaris must have bitten more than once. Similarly, some jurisdictions may consider a dog dangerous if that dog has killed another beast, in others non.

The procedures also vary between jurisdictions:

If your domestic dog is accused of an attack, he or she may be seized and put on "bite hold" at a local shelter. You lot volition so mostly be entitled to a hearing before your dog is declared dangerous. This hearing may be earlier an administrative hearing officer or earlier a judge.

The political party seeking to have your domestic dog declared dangerous — an creature command agency or an injured party — will present evidence showing why they believe this designation is appropriate. If you lot are contesting the dangerous canis familiaris designation, you may present evidence showing why your dog should not be declared dangerous.

Some examples include:

Evidence relating to identity. Was it your canis familiaris who attacked, or could information technology take been another domestic dog?
Prove relating to the severity of the attack. Was the bite non every bit astringent every bit contended?
Evidence relating to why the dog attacked. Was your domestic dog defending you? Was the person bitten provoking your canis familiaris?

The law in your jurisdiction will decide if you, or another political party, may appeal the determination.

If your dog is declared dangerous:

There are a number of things that might happen. You might be required to cage your canis familiaris in public or to affix a "vicious dog" sign to your front door. You may be ordered to remove your dog to a different jurisdiction — in other words, to discover your dog a new home in another community.

At that place is also the take chances that your dog will be ordered to exist euthanized. Because of these serious stakes, we urge anyone whose dog may exist declared dangerous to consult a lawyer.