Dog bites can be a lot more than a minor annoyance. They can inflict serious and even life-threatening injuries. While it isn’t always possible to tell when a dog is going to attack, there are actions that owners can, and by law are supposed to, take to prevent bites from happening, such as keeping their dogs on leashes in public areas.
Unfortunately, not all dog owners are responsible and abide by Virginia leash laws. Although this is sometimes due to a blatant disregard for another person’s safety, it can also be the case that the owner is ignorant of state law or that the dog got out of their control. No matter what the reasoning, failure to obey local leash laws can expose dog owners to legal liability.
If you or a loved one were bitten by a dog and are considering bringing legal action, contact the experienced Virginia Beach dog bite lawyers at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp today.
What Are Virginia’s Leash Laws?
Virginia does not have a state-mandated “leash laws,” but the law authorizes local towns, counties, and cities to enact ordinances regarding keeping animals on a leash or in control. These ordinances are known as “leash laws.”
In Virginia, most jurisdictions have adopted some form of “leash law” and/or ordinance prohibiting animals from running “at-large.” These laws mandate that dog owners take reasonable measures to maintain control of their pets. When you take your dog off your property, the law requires it to be kept on a leash and within your control.
What Is Considered a “Dangerous” Dog in Virginia?
Virginia has state-wide laws that govern “dangerous dogs.” If a dog has previously bitten a person or another animal, it may be classified as a “dangerous dog” and added to the state’s Dangerous Dog Registry. There can then be consequences for the dog if it bites again or causes significant injury. As it relates to your personal injury claim, if a dog has previously been deemed “dangerous,” this is objective proof of the dog’s prior aggression, which strengthens your case.
How Does Virginia Law Deal With Dog Bites?
When determining the civil liability of a dog’s owner, Virginia is a “one bite” state. This means that in order to hold the dog owner liable for a bite, the victim will have to prove that the dog has previously bitten someone or otherwise that the dog owner was previously aware of the dog’s aggression. Even if the dog has never bitten anyone before, the owner can still be responsible if the dog has shown sufficient signs of aggression or behavior that suggests it might injure someone. In that case, the owner has a duty to take reasonable precautions to keep other people safe.
Simply put, this means the victim must show that the dog behaved aggressively or viciously on other occasions, and that the dog’s owner was aware of this. This evidence can be obtained in many ways, including checking with animal control, talking with the owner of the dog, speaking to the dog owner’s neighbors, postal employees, FedEx or UPS drivers, and obtaining the dog’s veterinary records.
Even if a dog has not previously bitten or shown sufficient signs of aggression, leash laws and other ordinances create liability for a dog’s owner if the dog attacks while in violation thereof. If a dog owner negligently allows their dog to get loose on public property, for example, or if a dog runs off in violation of this type of ordinance, the owner may be held responsible for any damages the dog causes while not on the owner’s property.
Does Virginia Have Any Other Laws That Regulate Pets?
Laws and regulations also include a variety of animals, from exotic pets like spiders to larger livestock. These regulations are usually not statewide, but rather established at the local level. Certain counties have ordinances on what pets are permitted and how much space is required for each animal. To find out how these Virginia animal laws pertain to you, check your local zoning laws and county ordinances. The Virginia legislature has enacted leash laws to protect citizens from vicious and dangerous dogs. It has also given localities the authority to pass stricter leash laws.
Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp
Dog bite laws in Virginia can be complicated, and every situation is different. That’s why it’s so important to talk with a knowledgeable Virginia Beach dog bite lawyer if you or someone you love has been attacked. In one case, our firm helped a young child who was bitten in the face by a neighbor’s dog recover a $1.5 million settlement for her injuries and scarring.
We’re here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp at (833) 997-1774 or reach out via our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.
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