What To Do if Your Dog Bites Somebody

Question: What To Do if Your Dog Bites Somebody

Help, my dog bit somebody! What do I do now, and what kind of legal trouble can I get into? Do I have to have my dog euthanized? What steps should I take to minimize the damage done?

Answer: If your dog bites somebody, even if the bite was provoked (willfully or by an innocent mistake), you will be on very shakey ground, from both a legal standpoint, and an emotional one. Your dog's future will be in jeopardy, and you may be facing severe legal consequences. Don't lose your head; take these steps to minimize the damage your dog has done. Don't alienate the dog bite victim, try to foster as much good will as possible, as this may save you later.

Take Immediate Action

• Capture and confine your dog in a secure environment immediately.
• Be calm, polite, and non-confrontational.
• Offer your assistance in any way possible (calling for an ambulance, a ride to the nearest medical facility, administering first aid, etc.).
• Notify the authorities.
• Exchange names and addresses with the person your dog bit.
• Collect the names and addresses of any and all witnesses to the attack.
• Avoid making any statements about the incident as they could be used against you later.

What You Need to Do
Laws can vary widely from state to state, and country to country. If your dog has attacked a human being or another dog, it is imperative that you know the laws for your area of residence.

You must present proof that your dog has been vaccinated against rabies.

You may be required to have your dog temperament tested by the local authorities.

Your dog may be subjected to a quarrantine. This may be in-home, or in a facility chosen by the authorities (possibly a veterinarian's office or the county shelter).

If the victim asks for money or threatens you with a lawsuit, you will need to retain a lawyer. You also need to inform your insurance company if you have any type of coverage (home insurance, bite insurance, liability coverage). Cooperation with the insurance companies could have a positive impact on the outcome of any legal action.

Moral Responsibilities and "Good Will" Gestures
Whether it is a requirement by law or not, you have a moral obligation to cover all medical expenses caused by your dog. I wish I could tell you to offer nothing in the case of a provoked attack, but unfortunately, the type of person who would provoke your dog into biting is most likely the type of person who would turn around and sue, so you really need all the good will you can get. In the same vein, parents who allow their children to deliberately abuse an animal are also the type you need to be wary of. This does not include accidental provocations (eg: a child tripping on a dog, or a moment's inattention on a parent's part and Junior pulls on a handful of fur).

What About My Dog?
The severity of the bite, what caused your dog to bite, and any previous incidents will all be factors in your dog's future. If your dog is declared dangerous, he may be facing restrictions such as muzzling, and being prohibited in public areas, and even the possibility of court-ordered euthanization.

In the case of a fatal attack, your dog will almost assuredly be destroyed, and you could be facing criminal charges.

Prevent Dog Bites:

For Dog Owners

Teach Your Children

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