{"id":372273,"date":"2016-12-05T18:53:06","date_gmt":"2016-12-05T23:53:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/dc-law\/district-of-columbia-dog-bite-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-06-25T14:24:50","modified_gmt":"2024-06-25T19:24:50","slug":"district-of-columbia-dog-bite-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/dc-law\/district-of-columbia-dog-bite-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"District of Columbia Dog Bite Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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District of Columbia Dog Bite Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

A dog may be man’s best friend, but sometimes, they bite the hand that feeds them. Worse still, they may bite the hand of a neighbor, a postman, or a young child. Dog bite attacks<\/a> are sudden, violent, and traumatic for dog bite victims, often having a lasting effect on their lives. It\u2019s no easier for the pet owner, who must deal with the repercussions of their beloved dog\u2019s aggressive behavior.<\/p>\r\n

In the aftermath of dog attacks in Washington, D.C., it\u2019s important to understand the dog bite statutes and the legal rights of everyone involved. In this article, we\u2019ll examine who is responsible when a dog bites someone, explain what the dog laws in the District of Columbia<\/a> mean, and detail what you can expect in the aftermath of a dog bite episode<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Read on to learn about these subjects and much more.<\/p>\r\n

Understanding District of Columbia Dog Bite Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

While Washington, D.C., offers advice for dog owners<\/a> on how to train their animals against attacking, laws are in place to help avoid attacks and aid and protect dog bite victims. All dogs must be collared, tagged, and vaccinated against rabies. Unless in a specifically designated park, all dogs must be leashed<\/a> when off their owner\u2019s property.<\/p>\r\n

If you\u2019re the owner of the dog who bites someone, after helping the victim, be sure to provide them with your name and contact information. Report the bite to D.C. Animal Control at (202) 576-6664. You may need to give your veterinarian\u2019s contact information as well so they can verify that your dog has the proper vaccinations.<\/p>\r\n

A dog that bites is quarantined for 10 days, although this number can vary. It depends on the animal that bites and whether their vaccinations are up to date.<\/p>\r\n

Liability, Negligence, and Dog Bite Law in Washington, DC<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

The District of Columbia follows a mix of the strict liability<\/a> doctrine and the one bite rule<\/a>. This means that if your dog bites someone while at large, meaning your dog is neither on a leash nor on your property, the strict liability<\/a> aspect applies. You are liable for their medical bills and may also face a dog bite lawsuit. Your homeowners\u2019 insurance should cover this. But check your policy to be sure.<\/p>\r\n

If the dog was under the owner’s control at the time of the bite incident, the one bite rule comes into effect. This states that if your dog hasn\u2019t previously bitten someone or displayed aggressive behavior, you were unaware of this trait and aren\u2019t liable. In this situation, the victim must prove that the dog owner was negligent<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Further complicating the question of responsibility is that Washington, D.C., uses contributory negligence<\/a>. Under contributory negligence, if the victim is deemed to have any amount of responsibility for the dog bite injury, they can\u2019t recover damages.<\/p>\r\n

As you can see, assigning blame through the dog bite laws of the District of Columbia is no easy task. If you\u2019re a dog bite victim and feel confused, frustrated, or overwhelmed, consider speaking with a dog bite attorney<\/a> to better understand your rights and legal options.<\/p>\r\n

Dog Classifications in Washington, D.C.<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Certain behaviors can earn a dog living in the District of Columbia one of two different classifications. Either the mayor or someone in animal control with authority will conduct a hearing to determine a dog\u2019s status. The ensuing decision may be appealed by the dog\u2019s owner<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

The two possible classifications are listed below, along with the criteria required for the label.<\/p>\r\n

Potentially Dangerous Dog<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

A dog is deemed potentially dangerous if guilty of any of the following:<\/p>\r\n