Walk It Through: The Dog Next Door
A bite at the mailbox, a dog called dangerous, a trip to the pound and a service dog at the store.
A neighbor's dog runs out and bites a mail carrier delivering to the neighbor's box.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
One street and its dogs. Rabies quarantine after a bite, leash ordinances, cruelty charges, livestock and homeowner's insurance claims are not worked through here.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Assistance dogA dog specially trained for the purpose, which a handicapped person has the right to bring into public accommodations, transportation and places the public is invited, without an extra charge.
- Appearance bondA bond in a set amount with sureties the court approves, one of the conditions a court may impose when it finds release on recognizance will not assure appearance or will create unreasonable danger.
- Dangerous animalA dog or cat known to be inclined to attack unprovoked, one that makes an unprovoked attack injuring a person away from its confinement, or one kept or trained for fighting.
- Running at largeA dog off property its owner owns, rents or controls. Where a county or city has adopted penalties, allowing it is a misdemeanor with a $50 fine for a first offense.