Do you put a dog down for biting?

Answered by James Kissner

As an expert in dog bite cases in California, I can provide you with a detailed answer to the question of whether a dog is put down for biting someone. In California, the law does not require a dog to be put down if it bites someone. Instead, the owners of the dog are held liable for the injury caused by their pet.

This is an important distinction to make, as many people may be hesitant to pursue a dog bite case if they believe that it will result in the dog being euthanized. It’s understandable that people may have concerns about the fate of the animal, especially if they are dog lovers themselves.

In California, the focus is on holding the owners responsible for the actions of their dog. This means that if you are bitten by a dog, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries from the dog’s owner. The owner may be held liable for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the dog bite.

It’s worth noting that there are circumstances where a dog may be deemed dangerous or aggressive, and the court may order certain restrictions or requirements for the dog and its owner. For example, the court may require the owner to take measures to prevent future incidents, such as attending dog training classes, keeping the dog on a leash, or posting warning signs on their property.

However, the decision to euthanize a dog for biting someone is not automatic or required by law in California. Each case is evaluated on its own merits, and the focus is on holding the owner accountable rather than punishing the dog.

In my experience, many dog owners are responsible and take immediate action to prevent future incidents after their dog has bitten someone. They may seek professional training for their dog, implement safety measures, and take steps to ensure that their dog is not put in situations where it may pose a risk to others.

Of course, there are cases where more serious actions may be taken if a dog has a history of aggression or has caused severe injuries. In such cases, a court may order the dog to be euthanized for public safety reasons. However, this is not the norm and is typically reserved for extreme circumstances.

In California, a dog that bites someone is not automatically put down. The focus is on holding the owners liable for the injuries caused by their pet. This allows victims of dog bites to seek compensation for their damages without the fear that the dog will be euthanized.