Am I responsible for my horse’s actions if it is out of my control?
Generally speaking, in Washington, you are responsible for your horse’s actions if it is out of your control. This is based on the notion of ‘strict liability’, which is a concept in equine law that states that horse owners are liable for any damage caused by their horses, even if the horse’s actions are out of their control. This can include instances such as your horse running into someone on the street and causing damage, or if your horse damages property while out of your control. In such a situation, the horse owner (or keeper) is liable for the damage caused. It is important to note, however, that the strict liability principle does not apply in cases where the horse owner has taken necessary steps to prevent the damage from occurring. This means that if the horse owner exercises reasonable care to ensure that the horse does not damage the property of another person, then the horse owner may not be liable for such damage. It is also important to be aware that equine law in Washington is highly complicated, and obtaining legal advice from a qualified equine lawyer is always recommended if an issue arises. This is especially true in cases where the horse owner is uncertain of whether they may be liable for the horse’s actions.
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