Is a dog owner financially responsible for it dog’s actions?
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Is a dog owner financially responsible for it dog’s actions?
A person was walking his pitbull and lost control. The pitbull ran up my driveway and attacked my dog that was chained up. My dog’s ear was torn off and requires surgery.
Asked on January 8, 2012 under Bankruptcy Law, Hawaii
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
In all states in this country, a dog owner is strictly liable for all harm that his or her dog causes when it bites someone or someone's property. In the situation that you are writing about, the owner of the pitbull would be liable for the vet bills that you had to incur with respect to the injuries that your dog suffered.
I would send a letter to the owner of the pitbull with a copy of the vet's bill for your dog requesting payment. Keep a copy of the letter sent for future need and reference. if you do not get reimbursement of the bill within the time requested, your option would be to file a small claims court action.
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