Strict Liablity dog bite law in NH (renting, live in)

[square peg]

Well, you have many credible witnesses. And if push comes to shove, they can be of enormous assistance. Do speak with an attorney and at least show him/her what you have received. I think the opposition may also address the number of guests on your property, permits, if required, etc... From everything you have posted, I would prefer to be in your position rather than the plaintiff's. And again I wish you all the best.

[betzy14751]

I heard there is a "strict liability" law regarding dog bites in NH. I'm not sure what this means...Here is our situation: My husband was walking with our puppy wearing his leash around the neighborhood. My puppy walked too close to a fence and a pitbull bit him. We took him to the vet and he needed stitches. When we spoke with the pit owners they said that it was our fault because they have a sign that says: "Beware of the Dog". What should we do?

[sgthoskins]

Originally Posted by betzy14751

What should we do?

Stay off private property.

[BF66389]

Originally Posted by betzy14751

I heard there is a "strict liability" law regarding dog bites in NH. I'm not sure what this means...Here is our situation: My husband was walking with our puppy wearing his leash around the neighborhood. My puppy walked too close to a fence and a pitbull bit him. We took him to the vet and he needed stitches. When we spoke with the pit owners they said that it was our fault because they have a sign that says: "Beware of the Dog". What should we do?

You should get your dog healed and apologize to the owners of the pitbull if you were unfriendly to them.

If there dog was just arbitrarily running loose/unconstrained I would say something completely different (I hate dogs off leash and out of the owner's control); but since the dog was behind a fence (in control)...it really is your fault (your dog was in the wrong). The sign warning you about their dog just adds to that fact.

This is kind of like saying "well, I walked into this guys house...and he punched me...what should I do?"...very different from a guy walking around the neighborhood just arbitrarily punching you.

[Mrtwigg]

OK let's review...
You and yours were strolling along with lil' precious on a leash.

You, yours and lil' precious approach a fenced in yard with a "BEWARE OF DOG" sign on it.

A big mean dog reaches through the fence and chomps precious.

Now you are seeking social and or legal advice on teh interwebz.

Here's my advice:

1. Get a shorter leash for precious.

2. PAY ATTENTIOIN TO WHERE YOU ARE !

3. Put some hot sauce on precious's head so if it happens again the big mean dog will spit precious out !

I hope you don't have any children...

[betzy14751]

Thank you very much for your help. I didn't know if this needed to be reported or not. This time was my puppy, but next time could be a little kid. The sign is on the other side of the fence and we didn't see the sign or the dog until it was too late. We're not trying to get anything out of this situation. Just wondering about the rules as this is my first dog. Thanks again! :-)

[buck naked]

If a dog bites a person and breaks the skin, the animal control officer must inform the victim whether the dog was vaccinated against rabies within 24 hours.


New Hampshire Dangerous Dog/Bite Laws

[buck naked]

Originally Posted by BF66389

You should get your dog healed and apologize to the owners of the pitbull if you were unfriendly to them.

If there dog was just arbitrarily running loose/unconstrained I would say something completely different (I hate dogs off leash and out of the owner's control); but since the dog was behind a fence (in control)...it really is your fault (your dog was in the wrong). The sign warning you about their dog just adds to that fact.

This is kind of like saying "well, I walked into this guys house...and he punched me...what should I do?"...very different from a guy walking around the neighborhood just arbitrarily punching you.

if the pitbull was able to bite through the fence, then he was NOT under control

possible lawsuit if the owners refuse to pay medicals. If the dog had bitten a person, they would have definitely been liable for pain, suffering, and any scarring plus trauma.

[buck naked]

as Mac Muz pointed out above - ANIMALS can not get pain or suffering compensation even if they are scarred or maimed.

People are another story. However, in the situation brought up in the OP, the DOG OWNER is liable for the dog and the dog bite. He must PROVE within 24 hours that the dog is up to date on all of his shots AND that the dog was in control while he brought it on your property.

Injuries to Pets: Personal Injury or Property Damage?

a judge is not going to consider you to be the one that made the dog bite the child, especially if the child knows the dog. You didn't.

I'd tell him to 'bring it on'.

[Mac_Muz]

This is a old thread, and someone with a post count of 2 brought it back to life. If this is a need it's ok, but don't really expect anyone to get hot on the topic since it's dated.

I was subscribed, but I knew it was dated. I however do agree with late replies, the pet owner should mind her own business.

There are too many IF's in this age...... A dog bite is not a good thing, but it happens.. I have been bit a lot of times, and don't think a lot about it..