For years, many New York dog owners believed that if their dog had never bitten anyone before, they were protected from liability.
That belief is outdated.
Under current New York law, courts focus on whether a dog owner acted reasonably — not simply whether the dog had a prior history. A first bite does not excuse careless ownership.
Responsible ownership means:
- Secure fencing
- Proper leashing
- Close supervision around children
- Following local leash and restraint laws
- Taking warning signs seriously
If an owner fails to take reasonable precautions and someone is injured, liability may follow — even if the dog had never shown aggression before.
This shift in the law isn’t anti-dog. It’s pro-responsibility.
When owners take safety seriously, injuries decrease. When they don’t, victims deserve a legal remedy.
Dog ownership is a privilege. With that privilege comes accountability.
There is no “free bite.” And there shouldn’t be.
If you or someone you love has suffered a dog bite, you should speak to Mack Press, the New York Dog Bite Lawyer. He is dedicated to holding negligent dog owners accountable, while protecting dogs whose only crime was having a bad owner. To learn more, contact him at 1-833-8-DOGBITE (833-836-4248) or visit his contact page.
