The state of Pennsylvania has enacted a series of laws that clearly outline the responsibilities of owners of dangerous dogs, and the consequences for failing to abide by them.
Pennsylvania has set up the following criteria for classifying a dog as “dangerous.” The dog has either:
- Severely injured a human without being provoked
- Killed or severely injured a domestic animal without being provoked
- Attacked a human without being provoked
- Been used to commit a crime
Furthermore, the dog must either have a history of or a propensity for attacking humans without provocation. If your dog is involved in one violent incident, you can be held liable for harboring a dangerous dog.
Pennsylvania law identifies two different people as being potentially liable in a dangerous dog case — the owner and the keeper. You are considered a keeper of a dangerous dog if you have it in your possession and allow it to stay on your property.
Harboring a dangerous dog is both a civil and criminal offense. If your dog attacks and injures a person or an animal, you can be held liable in a personal injury lawsuit. If it can be proven that you intended your dog to attack, you will face a criminal misdemeanor charge as well.
You are legally allowed to keep a dangerous dog as long as you follow certain guidelines. You must pay a fee and register the dog with the state. You will need to prove that your house contains an enclosed area for the dog. You will need to carry at least $50,000 in liability insurance. If your dog runs away, attacks someone, or is sold, you must inform the police within 24 hours.
If you have been attacked by a dangerous dog, you should consult an experienced dog bite attorney immediately. You may be entitled to collect damages to compensate you for your loss.
If you have been injured by a dangerous dog, please visit the Personal Injury Lawyer Directory to schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney in your area.
