Friday 26 May 2017

Find Out More About Dog Bite Laws From An Accident Lawyer In Philadelphia PA

By Eve Briner


Area pet owners need to know and understand the relevant dog bite laws. Unfortunately, many do not. For these folks, the serious nature of the offense doesn't hit them until after their dog bites a person or even another animal and by that time, it can then be too late.

To avoid getting into trouble, it's best to familiarize yourself with the law in Philadelphia with regards to your dog and potential of it biting or being bitten.

Dogs Laws At The State Level

Pennsylvania has a general dog confinement law. All pets must be confined securely to prevent them from harming themselves, people and other animals. An owner who fails to keep their animal in such a manner could be found guilty of legal negligence.

Dogs must be kept in secure areas like backyards that are gated. Moreover, when you bring these animals in public, they should have collar and leash systems in place. There are a very small number of exceptions to these laws and these pertain to the use of animals in training exercises, performances, dog shows and hunting. Apart from these situations, all dogs throughout the state have to be confined.

Why do states have to have dog confinement laws in place.

The authorities wrote this law to make it easier to place the blame for dog bites. If your animal is properly secured then there is no way it can cause harm. That is unless the victim invaded their space.

However, the theory does not always work in reality. For a variety of reasons, people and animals can come in contact with your dog and can get bitten.

When a dog bite occurs, what happens next?

If your dog bites someone or attacks an animal, the authorities may take it into custody. This is a virtual arrest.

A judge will then go over the facts of the case. While the dog is quarantined, the animal's owner will have to pay for his or her food and the costs of incarceration. If the animal is deemed vicious, it is even possible for an order for euthanization to be issued.

One-Bite Law

The state has a one-bite rule. In effect, a dog that has bitten previously presents a foreseeable risk. The next time the dog gets into trouble, the owner can expect to be held liable.

An accident lawyer in Philadelphia PA can help defend against the one-bite rule. In most cases, this legal representative will argue that the victim was trespassing on the property or provoked the dog.

Possible Criminal Charges

Victims have up to two years following the incident to file charges. Any owner who has a dog known to be guilty of attacking people or other animals can be charged with "harboring a vicious animal, " a misdemeanor crime.

Get Legal Help

If you have a dog who has bitten a person or if you are someone who's recently been bitten by a dog, talk with a seasoned accident lawyer in Philadelphia PA now.




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