A Dog Called Dangerous
Idaho Code § 25-2810 — an at-risk dog after a bite, a dangerous dog after a serious injury, and the court's conditions
An at-risk dog is one that bites a person without justified provocation but without causing serious injury. A dangerous dog is one that, without justified provocation, inflicts serious injury on a person, or one already found at risk that bites or physically attacks a person again.
Justified provocation. No dog is dangerous or at risk where the cause was justified provocation: an act a reasonable person who knows dogs would expect to bring on a bite by an ordinary dog. Serious injury means bruising, a laceration or other injury that would send a reasonable person to a medical professional.
- A secure, locked enclosure outdoors.
- A secure leash held by a capable adult off the property, and a muzzle in public where contact is likely.
- A photograph on file and a microchip or tattoo at the owner's expense.
- Beware of Dog signs visible from the closest roadway.
Those are among the conditions a court may order. Keeping a dangerous or at-risk dog out of compliance with the order is a misdemeanor, and a court may order restitution of the victim's medical and property costs, or order a dangerous dog humanely put to death.
An owner transferring such a dog tells the local agency within thirty days and gives the new owner a copy of the order. A particular dog is a question for a licensed Idaho attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- Idaho Code § 25-2810 — Dangerous and at-risk dogs
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Idaho attorney.