Whether small or large, dogs may be capable of harming other animals or people. Connecticut residents who have dogs as pets should be aware of the state’s laws concerning dog ownership and owner liability. Persons who do not have dogs as pets should also know these laws in the event that they or their loved ones are ever the victims of a dog attack.
According to the Connecticut Office of Legislative Research, there are two approaches to pursuing action after a dog attack. One is under the statute law. This eliminates the victim’s need to prove any owner negligence or knowledge on the part of the owner that a dog may have been vicious. If action is taken under common law, a victim will need to show either that an owner was negligent or knew that a dog was prone to vicious behavior.
Owners may not be held liable if victims are found to have trespassed or enticed a dog to attack. An exception to this may be made for victims who are six years old or younger. The Connecticut Judicial Branch Law Libraries indicates that people who are being attacked by a dog may fight back and even kill the dog at that time.
Dogs that have bitten people may be put in quarantine for two weeks. They may also be destroyed at the order of the court. While there is no statewide law requiring dogs to be on leashes at all times, municipalities are allowed to enact such laws in their own jurisdictions. Apart from that, the state does ban the free roaming of dogs on sidewalks and public highways or property that is not owned by their owners.
