Knowing Your Rights Under The CA Dog Law
Every state has its own dog laws, and of course there is a CA dog law. The California Legislature has enacted many provisions about dogs, but none are stricter than the control of dog menaces that have bitten when not even provoked, causing injury to unsuspecting adults as well as children, and even other pets.
The biggest portion of the statutes deals with bites that were unprovoked and caused injury, of course. In their statutes, they carefully define and itemize what a vicious dog is, but each time the word unprovoked is used. This makes a huge difference in the eyes of the law.
The animal control department of the city or county where the dog is kept has the right to obtain and impound any dangerous dog if the dog is located. Of course, a police dog, in the line of duty is an exception to the law, as one would rightfully expect. Also, the military can also use dogs in the performance of duty and they are an exception as well.
Once obtained by animal control, there will be an administrative hearing procedure before the dog is judged to be a menace and perhaps required to be put down or, as the law puts it, it may have to be destroyed. CA dog law and its courts are very fair. If it is found that the dog was protecting its grounds and the person in question that received the bite(s) was trespassing, that clears the dog. The same can be said if the dog’s owner was being threatened.
Still, there are some pretty hefty fines levied if your dog should be found to be a threat and have bitten someone. Fines can range from $500 to $1,000 depending on what the dog has damaged through a vicious bite, and also if it is a second offense or not. Either way, if you wish to contest it in court, you may do so, but you will be charged for the costs of presenting a case against you and your dog.
Also you should be aware that CA dog law stipulates that, if the animal needs to be quarantined after it bites someone or if you need to fight the courts, the dog will be held in a facility such as at a veterinarian’s quarters office or the ASPCA or any other state or local location and it will be your responsibility to pay for the dog’s keep.
For more information, or if you have been bitten by a dog, please call dog bite law expert, attorney John Donahue at: 1-888-7DOGBITE (1-888-736-4248).
Tags: CA dog law, california dog law, dog bites, dog laws