Owners of Biting Dogs Face Strict Liability for More Than Injuries of People
Missouri’s dog bite law makes owners of biting dogs strictly liable when their dog bites another person. This means that the dog’s owner may be responsible for paying the costs of the injury, regardless of whether the owner was careful to restrain the dog or didn’t know the dog would ever bite a person.
The strict liability a dog owner faces isn’t limited to situations in which the dog bites other human beings. Dog owners may also be liable if their dogs bite animals another person owns. These include livestock like cows, pigs, or chickens, as well as pets owned by other people. Dog owners who are found liable when their dogs bite other animals may face a fine of up to $1,000.
Dogs that kill or maim sheep, livestock, or other household pets may also be required under Missouri law to pay for the damage the dog caused. Missouri law allows courts to impose a fine of one dollar for every day the costs of the dog’s biting go unpaid. In addition, the dog’s owner may be required to have the dog euthanized, especially if it is revealed that the dog has a history of biting other animals or people.
Missouri’s dog bite laws hold owners liable in a wide variety of dog bite situations. If you or someone you love has been injured by a biting dog, please don’t hesitate to contact the experienced Franklin County dog bite attorneys at Page Law. For a free consultation, call us today at 314-322-8515.
