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Florida is a strict liability state, which means that it is one of 32 states where if a dog bites a person, its owner is liable. Almost 500 Florida residents need medical attention for dog bites each year, and on average two of those victims die. The majority of Florida victims are children under 10 years old, and they are usually bitten on the head and neck. Most dog bite victims nationwide are children bitten by the family dog or that of a friend.
Each state has its own laws that cover nuisances. Florida has several dog nuisance laws, covering issues such as barking and biting. The laws, which have consequences for owners and sometimes for dogs, are in place to keep people and animals safe. States have the right to apply and repeal these laws as they choose.
Many factors cause a dog to bite. A dog that feels threatened or endangered might attack, or one who has experienced neglect or physical abuse might also be inclined to bite. Sometimes dog biting can be breed-specific, such as with pit bulls and rottweilers. Like most other states, Nevada has laws in place to help if you or a family member is a victim of a dog bite.
Pennsylvania has passed several laws regarding dogs, including laws covering dog bites. The laws cover required insurance policies for dangerous dogs, categorize dog bites according to the damage that the bite causes to a person, and address the history of dangerous dogs. Dog bite law in Pennsylvania also explains how to restrain a dog that has bitten a person, as well as what happens to a dog that bites someone.
Dogs that bite pose a danger to people, as well as a liability to their owners. Proper management and control of potential biters are important. Most states have thorough laws on dog bites and dangerous dogs, and Florida is no exception. Local governments in Florida may enact their own regulations, providing they are not more lenient than the state laws.
When you are bitten by a dog, or when your dog bites someone else, it is important to know what to do next. Dog bite laws are designed to protect the rights of both the victims of dog bite attacks and dog owners.
What constitutes a vicious dog varies by both state and local laws and ordinances. For the general public, and for dog owners in particular, learning more about the specific vicious dog laws in effect where you live and about your rights and responsibilities, is essential for the safety of everyone.
