Who is responsible for a dog bite at a dog park?

Under California law, in most cases the owner of a dog is responsible for the damages caused by a bite or attack. However, in a dog park, liability for a dog bite can be complicated. The owner of the dog is typically the first liable party. The owner of the dog is considered to have “strict liability” for the actions of their pet in California. This means they are responsible no matter what, regardless of whether they had any knowledge of the dangers the dog posed or not. The only defense the owner can use is that the victim was not acting lawfully on the property. However, in a dog park, the owner of the property where the dog park is located may also be responsible for a dog bite if they were deemed negligent in maintaining a safe environment. They could be liable for failing to address potential hazards or for not warning visitors of risks. Another factor that could come into play is if any “keepers” of the dog were present in the park. If they were supervising the animal and failed to act appropriately, they could be held liable as well. In the end, the responsibility for a dog bite in a dog park depends on the specific circumstances. Owners of the animal, the dog park property, and any "keepers" may all be held accountable. Whether through negligence or strict liability, all parties may be required to pay for the damages caused by the dog bite.

Related FAQs

What are my rights as a dog bite victim?
Is the owner of a dog held responsible for bites?
What is the statute of limitations for a dog bite claim?
What is strict liability for a dog bite?
What is the law on dangerous dogs?
How do I file a lawsuit against the owner of a dog for a bite?
How do I get compensation for emotional distress from a dog bite?
Do I need to prove negligence in a dog bite case?
What is the legal definition of a dangerous dog?
Is it illegal for a dog to be off its leash?

Who is responsible for a dog bite at a dog park?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts