Animal Attacks Animal Attacks Suppose your poodle attacks the delivery truck driver. The law holds people responsible for the actions of their pets. If there's no such statute, you can still be found liable under the common law rule that owners are legally responsible if they knew the animal was likely to cause that kind of injury. You may also be found liable if you violated a leash law or a requirement to keep your pets fenced. However, you the owner may still defend yourself by arguing that the person injured was trespassing, breaking the law, unreasonably careless, knowingly took the risk, or provoked your dog to attack.
Some states make it illegal even to own a dog that's been declared vicious.
And some cities have imposed an outright ban on certain species, such as pit bulls, which they consider inherently vicious. Also, many jurisdictions ban wild animals being kept as pets, such as wolves, bears, and dangerous snakes. If you own a dog or another animal that might injure someone, find out what the laws are in your area by calling your locality's animal control office. Know your pet's temperament and be careful to keep it out of the path of strangers. Keep vaccinations current, and post warning signs if you think your pet might injure someone.