What if a dog bite happens on public property?
If a dog bite happens on public property in Washington, the owner of the dog is liable for any injury or damage caused by their pet. Under the law, a dog owner is strictly liable for any damages caused by their dog, regardless of the animal’s history or whether or not the owner was aware of the potential for the animal to bite. This means that even if the dog’s owner has never had any issues with their pet in the past and thought their animal was well-behaved, they are still responsible for any damage caused. In addition to being liable, the owner of the dog may also face criminal charges if they failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the attack. It’s important that dog owners take proper precautions to ensure the safety of others, such as securing their pet and reporting any aggressive behavior. It’s also important to remember that in cases of intentional or reckless behavior when it comes to animal attacks, it’s possible for a criminal case to be pursued against the owner of the animal. In Washington, it’s important to remember that dog owners are always liable for damages or injuries caused by their pet. Whether or not the attack took place on public or private property, the owner of the animal that caused the injury is responsible for the cost of any medical bills, damages, and other losses associated with the incident.
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