Owners Responsible When Dog Bites

Dogs are everywhere in Minnesota.  Many people love dogs of every breed and temperament.  Some dog lovers have several dogs.

Dog owners are responsible for the behavior of their dogs as well as following laws enacted to protect the community and the dog in the event something happens to or by the dog.

Dog owners must take their responsibility seriously.  They must keep in mind that their beloved pet could harm someone if threatened, agitated, or simply spooked.

Many communities have leash laws and many more require that dogs be under the control of their owners.

Minnesota holds dog owners responsible should their animal bite someone. Minnesota Statute Section 347.22 covers the liability of owners in the event of a dog bite.  There are few exceptions to this law.  If a victim of a dog bite was trespassing, teasing or tormenting the dog at the time of a bite, the owner may not be liable.

When a dog does bite some, they should seek medical attention and report the bite immediately to the animal control and law enforcement where the bite occurred. Minnesota is a strict liability state.  A dog owner is responsible for the behavior of their dog.  The only exceptions are trespassing or probation by the victim.  A dog bite victim does not have to prove that the dog owner was negligent in any way.  Minnesota law assumes the owner is responsible.

The Department of Health requires that animals that have bitten a person to be quarantined for 10 days to evaluate whether the dog is at risk for rabies.  This protocol should be followed without regard to the vaccination status of the animal.

If you are bitten by a dog, seek medical treatment and contact our law firm to protect your rights.


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