Washington, D.C. dog law
Liability Statute
Under this statute, if a dog injures a person while it is running at large, the owner’s lack of knowledge of the dog’s vicious propensities, standing alone, cannot absolve the owner from a finding of negligence.
Dangerous Dog Statute
The Meaning of a Dangerous Dog
Under D.C. law, a “dangerous dog” is:
- a dog that has bitten or attacked a person or domestic animal without provocation
- a dog that, in a menacing manner, approaches, without provocation, any person or domestic animal as if to attack; or
- a dog that has demonstrated a propensity to attack without provocation or otherwise to endanger the safety of humans or domestic animals.
Legal Responsibilities of Dangerous Dog Owners
- An owner must either confine a dangerous dog indoors or confine it outdoors in a locked pen or structure measuring at least 5 feet wide by 10 feet long and 6 feet high. The structure must prevent entry of young children, as well as escape by the animal. When the dog is not confined, it must be controlled by a responsible person and muzzled and restrained by a substantial chain or leash that is no longer than 4 feet.
- Owners of dangerous dogs must register their dogs with local authorities as dangerous.
- Dangerous dog owners must maintain liability insurance coverage of at least $50,000 for personal injuries inflicted by the dog.
- Owners must post their property with a written warning that a dangerous dog is on the property. The warning must have a conspicuous warning symbol that informs children of the dangerous dog’s presence.
Liability of Dangerous Dog Owners
In addition to civil liability, if a dangerous dog kills or seriously injures a human or domestic animal, without provocation, the owner is subject to a fine of up to $10,000.
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Please note: State law information collected from LexisNexis™ electronic database in 2005. All of our lawyers are licensed to practice in the state of Pennsylvania. We also have lawyers licensed to practice in Ohio, and West Virginia and we associate with experienced attorneys in other states.
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