Is the owner of a dog held responsible for bites?
In Wisconsin, dog owners are held accountable for their pet’s actions. If a dog bites someone, the owner is considered legally responsible. This is a concept known as “strict liability” under Wisconsin law. This means that, regardless of who is at fault, the owner of the dog is held responsible for any damages caused by the animal. There are a few exceptions to this rule, however. For instance, if the victim was trespassing or committing a criminal act at the time of the bite, the owner of the dog may not be responsible. Additionally, if the person bitten was severely provoking or tormenting the dog, and the owner had no knowledge of this, the owner may also be held not liable. Wisconsin law also requires that dog owners keep their pet on a leash or otherwise contained when it is off the owner’s property. If the owner fails to do this and the dog is involved in a bite incident, the owner may be held liable for damages. Ultimately, dog owners in Wisconsin should take all necessary measures to ensure that their pet does not bite or harm anyone. Keeping the dog obediently contained and under control at all times is essential in order to avoid legal liability. Additionally, dog owners in Wisconsin should make sure to carry a liability insurance policy that can cover potential damages caused by their pet in the event of a bite incident.
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