Leash laws in California are stringent for a variety of reasons. First, and foremost, a secure leash is safer for both the dog in question and the people around the dog. For example, a dog on a leash cannot run into traffic or attack anyone beyond reach of the leash. In some areas, leashes must be 8 feet or shorter; in others, the limit is 6 feet. Additionally to protect the dog, part of the leash law states that any dog that is on a leash on the owner’s property must have easy access to food, water and shelter within the length of the leash. It is a misdemeanor to confine a dog on a leash or chain that is too short to accommodate the dog’s needs.
Third, leash laws help establish liability in cases where a dog bites someone. For example, if a dog is acting to protect its owner from an assailant, and the dog is properly leashed, the owner most likely cannot be held liable for any bites that result from this situation. The same holds true if someone trespasses onto any property that does not belong to him or her and is bitten by a dog guarding that property. Further, the same holds true if someone provokes the dog deliberately.
Lastly, dog bite law in California is governed by “strict liability,” which means that a dog owner can be held liable even if he or she is not at fault. Of course, this excludes the provisions in the law already mentioned; however, there are many more situations under the law where liability is affected by the actions of the owner, the dog itself and the bitten party, or a combination of all three under the precept of “shared fault.”
If you or someone you know has been bitten or otherwise injured by a dog, or might have encountered someone mistreating a dog, the best way to determine your best course of action is to speak with a personal injury lawyer who is experienced in that field. Contact the personal injury lawyers at Young Wooldridge, LLP to schedule a free initial consultation.
