PRACTICE GROUPS
According to San Diego County Animal Control:
- If someone has a dog, they are responsible for keeping it from attacking someone, and if they do not, they could be held legally and financially responsible for what the animal does.(SDCC Section 62.669.1)
- A person that legally owns a dog must take steps to ensure that it gets its rabies shot (SDCC Section 62.610). This dangerous and deadly disease can be prevented if the owner takes the steps necessary to prevent it from getting and spreading it (SDCC Section 62.610).
- Dogs must be licensed, and that license must be displayed in a tag on the dog’s collar. That way, if that dog is involved in an attack or other act of violence, its owner can be contacted and held responsible for what their dog does. SDCC Section (62.620(e))
- If a dog owner fails to restrain or control their dogs through appropriate and legally-recognized means while at their home or place of residence, and their dogs inflict injury or harm, that owner can be required to compensate victims for the damage their pets cause (SDCC Section 62.669(b); Penal Code Section 597t).
- Dog owners are of course liable for their actions and inactions if they take their dog into a public space and fail to observe posted and unposted restraint laws. Just because someone brings a dog into a place designed for them does not legally or financially absolve them of their duties and responsibilities for keeping other people and other dogs safe (SDCC Sections 62.669(a), 62.601(d), and 62.601(y)).
- Everyone at some point has seen a dead dog on the street or highway. While certainly tragic, transporting a dog or other pet in a vehicle without proper restraint is not only dangerous to the animal itself, but to other drivers and pedestrians as well. Free-roaming or injured dogs in the road can cause accidents, and scared dogs can bite if frightened by traffic. The owner of a dog that fails to secure it properly in transport can be fiscally and legally responsible for the damage their oversight causes (SDCC Section 62.700).
Responsible dog owners, no matter what their dog’s breed, recognize their obligation to keep others safe, and to reduce the chances of their dog’s attacking and biting people. The American Veterinary Medical Association outlines some commonsense steps for dog owners to reduce the risk that their dog will attack or bite someone. These include:
- Carefully consider your pet selection. Don’t by a puppy on impulse. Before and after selection, your veterinarian is the best source for information about choice of a suitable breed and your dog’s behavior.
- Spend time with your dog; all dogs are social animals, and those left alone much of the time are more likely to develop problem behaviors.
- Socialize your dog when it’s a puppy so it learns to be comfortable around people and other animals. Don't put your dog in a position where it feels threatened or teased. Offer your puppy safe exposure to many different situations, and continue those exposures frequently your dog matures.
- Your child should be 4 or older. Children under 4 are at much higher risk for dog bites. Parents are encouraged to wait until a child is past 4 years of age before they bring a dog into the house.
- Give your dog training in basic obedience. Work with your dog to teach such commands as "come", "no", "stay"," and "sit". When you take your dog out, always use a leash. A dog who knows what’s expected of it and can follow commands will feel more comfortable and safe.
- Don’t get your dog unduly excited. Avoid games that get a dog challenged and excited, like tug-of-war or wrestling. Your dog may not know when to back off.
- Keep your dog healthy. Be sure your dog is current on vaccinations for rabies and other diseases, and also free of parasites.
- Neuter your pet. Reduce your risk. A neutered dog is a third less likely to bite than a non-neutered dog.
- Pay attention to your dog’s mood and conditions. Know your dog well enough that you can spot indicators of illness, and behavioral indicators that your dog is scared, uncomfortable or unduly protective.