While that might not always be the outcome, a dog can indeed be euthanized for biting someone. Therefore, every dog owner must understand this possibility and know how to react if their dog bites someone, including who to contact and what steps to take.
All these—socializing your pet with basic commands, regular health check-ups, and plenty of exercise—would also go a long way to help prevent bites and also prevent putting down the dog. The injury severity, the dog’s past behaviors, and the laws of the state would determine if continuing care is required.
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What Is Euthanasia in California for Dogs?
California strictly regulates dog owners’ actions because a dog’s behavior reflects its owner’s actions, regardless of the dog’s past behavior or circumstances. When a dog bites someone, the state may consider euthanasia and investigate the dog’s immediate prior behavior. Factors to consider when deciding cases for euthanizing dogs in California are as follows:
- Age and health of your dog
- Aggressive behaviour
- Unmanageable medical conditions
- Shelter overcrowding
- Dog owner’s request
- Liability for dog bite in California
In some states, the one-bite rule applies. The owner is not liable for the first bite or attack since they are presumed to be unaware of the dog. California has no rule for the one-bite, and thus, any injury from a bite will still be on the owner, despite knowing or having the suspicion of the dog’s dangerousness. That is in strict responsibility terms.
The owner is liable for:
- Medical costs
- Lost income
- Sorrow
- All damage comes from the bite.
However, there are some exceptions to the rule. Dog owners may not be responsible for damages when the person who was bitten was on the owner’s land or provoked the dog.
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The Legal Process Following a Dog Bite: What Happens When a Dog Bites Someone?
There is no federal dog bite law in the USA. Therefore, dog bite legalities vary from state to state. In California, if the injury happened from being bitten by a pet dog, there are many steps that can be taken to safeguard legal interests.
- Seek medical treatment
- Incident report
- Collect information
- Document the evidence
- Consult an attorney
- Claim your rights
An owner who wants to surrender a pet needs to present the case to the relevant state authorities. This is to ascertain if having that animal in the house poses a threat to society at large. For example, when a dog bites someone, it raises serious concerns about public safety. A court may order the death of a dog if it has a history of aggressive behaviour or serious injuries. This is typically the last option, after all other emergency options have been exhausted; it is also worth mentioning that rehabilitation options have failed.
Only within strict periods is it permitted to declare a lawsuit or claim following an attack by a dog. After two years, the victims no longer have the right to compensation, according to California’s statute of limitations.
Who To Notify When a Dog Bites Someone?
Both you and the owner of the dog need to report the biting incident to the Los Angeles County Veterinary Public Health and Rabies Control. You can also call:
- Emergency medical services
- Local animal control
- Insurance company
- Law enforcement
- Local health department
Will I Have To Put My Dog in Quarantine After the Bite Incident?
In certain states, if a dog bites somebody, animal control can investigate the incident and also order that the dog be quarantined. Quarantine means that a dog will be kept for a certain time in a veterinarian’s or shelter office. The reason is to detect the appearance of signs of illness or aggression, like rabies.
After a period of quarantine, confinement and observation for a period of at least 10 days (for animals bitten by dogs and cats), the local officer may release the animal, provided that it had been contained in a pound or veterinary hospital under the care of a licensed veterinarian and confined in a manner approved by the health officer for a period of only five days. California law requires that any dog that bites a person or an animal for at least 10 consecutive days be observed, and this also applies in cases where a dog bites someone, whether or not it has received its rabies vaccine.
How ‘Vicious’ and ‘Dangerous’ Dogs Were Defined in California?
Potentially harmful dogs in California are defined as:
- A dog that attacks twice in 36 months without provocation.
- A dog that bites an unprovoked person, causing minor injury
- A dog that attacks without provocation on two separate occasions in the space of 36 months, causing serious injuries and death
California defines vicious dogs as:
- An aggressive manner causes severe injury or death to unprovoked dogs.
- Owner of a potentially violent dog who exhibits violent traits despite warnings.
- Talk to our leading California dog bite attorneys.
A severe incident of a bite can happen to both parties. If you or a loved one happens to get bitten by a California dog, it is important to know your rights and your options.
Bottom Line!
There are very good protections afforded to victims under California’s strict liability for dog bites. However, it is extremely important to seek legal advice soon so that you can get the compensation that you deserve when a dog bites someone.
Speak with Tenina Law lawyers about your case today. Our attorneys have great experience, and our dog bite attorneys can help you understand the legal process that would protect your rights.
