{"id":373084,"date":"2019-04-26T12:26:44","date_gmt":"2019-04-26T17:26:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-dog-bite-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-05-19T03:08:10","modified_gmt":"2024-05-19T08:08:10","slug":"illinois-dog-bite-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-dog-bite-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Illinois Dog Bite Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Illinois 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

Dogs are our stalwart companions, our brave protectors, and our best friends. It’s a sad truth that sometimes they can hurt us as well, as any dog bite victim can tell you. Suffering a dog bite attack<\/a> is traumatic. It’s not much easier for the dog’s owner either, who now must wonder about the fate of their beloved pooch.<\/p>\r\n

There are no winners when a dog bite occurs<\/a>. Illinois dog bite laws attempt to balance protecting victims of dog bite injuries while also showing compassion and understanding for the dog’s owner. In this article, we’ll look at the laws surrounding dog bite incidents, examine who is responsible for injuries caused by a dog, figure out who pays for the medical expenses, and determine what happens to a dog after it bites someone.<\/p>\r\n

Read on to learn about these subjects and much more concerning Illinois dog bite laws.<\/p>\r\n

Animal Control Act Overview<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

With over 4.5 million dog bites <\/a>occurring each year in the United States, every state has measures in place to deal with the aftermath of dog attacks. Illinois dog bite laws are covered in the Illinois Animal Control Act<\/a>, which was created in 1973 and has been revised numerous times. While the Act sets out laws and statutes at the state level, it also allows municipalities to enact restrictions and rules.<\/p>\r\n

For example, while there is no statewide leash law in Illinois, in Chicago, dogs are required to be on a leash<\/a> if they are off the owner’s property. Even if your dog doesn’t do anything wrong while off leash, you face a $300 base fine for the violation.<\/p>\r\n

All dog bites must be reported to the local animal control authority within 24 hours. Any physician who treats a dog bite injury must file a report. All dogs must have proper vaccinations, registration tags, and collars. Dog owners are fined for violations.<\/p>\r\n

After a Dog Bites \u2014 Who Is Liable?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Before we get into assigning fault, it’s important to understand that if you’re a dog bite victim, your priority is to seek medical attention. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection, so getting proper medical care<\/a> is essential.<\/p>\r\n

The state of Illinois uses a strict liability<\/a> policy regarding dog bites. Aside from specific instances, the dog’s owner is liable<\/a> for the medical bills. This is often covered by your homeowners’ insurance or renter’s insurance but check your insurance policy to be sure.<\/p>\r\n

The dog’s owner can also be sued in civil court to recover additional civil damages for reasons including:<\/p>\r\n