DOG BITE PREVENTION WEEK – Shouldn’t this be every week?

Full disclosure:  I am not a dog lover.  But I’m delighted to know its officially “Dog Bite Prevention Week” (May 15^th to 21^st).

I do have “grand-dogs”.  And a family member just converted from an avowed position of “dog-aversion” to acquiring a four-legged friend (that cries through the night and piddles in inappropriate places).

The very fact that a week has been designated for this cause is a reminder that owning a dog increases one’s legal liability.

Recent Canadian statistics are more general than precise; but one study* found that from 1990 to 2003 almost 14,000 injuries involving dog bites were reported. The Canada Safety Council estimates that almost 70% of Canadian dog bite victims are children under the age of 15.  In the U.S., almost 5 million Americans suffer dog bites annually, with one in six requiring medical attention.

And many dog owners do not realize the legal burden they carry.  Contrary to popular opinion, under Canadian law a dog is not “entitled to its first bite”.

In Ontario, the Dog Owners’ Liability Act imposes “strict liability”.  The Act specifies that the “owner of a dog is liable for damages resulting from a bite or attack by the dog on another person or domestic animal.”

In fact, the Act is clear that a dog owner cannot escape liability simply because of no prior knowledge of the dog’s inclination to attack or bite.  Nor is it a defence to attempt to demonstrate that the dog was being teased or provoked.  There are very few legal defences.

A conversation with your broker will confirm whether you have coverage under an existing Personal Liability policy (usually attached to a Homeowner’s, Tenant’s or Condo Unit Owner’s policy.)

Dogs represent risk.  And I don’t mean piddling in inappropriate places.

*Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program

Tags: bite, dog, dog bite prevention week, injuries, Liability, prevention, risk, safety, strict liability