Dog Bites
G.L. c. 140, § 155 — the owner or keeper is liable for any damage the dog does
Liable for any damage. In Massachusetts, if a dog does any damage to a person's body or property, the owner or keeper is liable for it, or, if the owner or keeper is a minor, the minor's parent or guardian.
The exception is damage to a person who at the time was trespassing or committing another tort, or teasing, tormenting or abusing the dog. For a child under seven years of age, it is presumed they were doing none of those, and the defendant must prove otherwise.
Sources for this section (1)
- G.L. c. 140, § 155 — Liability for damage caused by a dog
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Massachusetts attorney.