Dangerous dog laws, including the dog bite law, vary from state to state, with different definitions and outcomes for owners.
In Oregon, dangerous dog laws are primarily governed by county and city ordinances, but there are also state statutes that address the issue. Under Oregon law, a 'dangerous dog' is typically defined as one that kills or injures a person or domestic animal, or behaves in a manner that poses a serious threat of harm. Owners of dangerous dogs may be required to take specific actions, such as keeping the dog in a secure enclosure, posting warning signs, obtaining liability insurance, or having the dog wear a muzzle in public. Oregon's dog bite law (ORS 31.360) operates on a 'strict liability' basis, meaning that a dog owner can be held liable for injuries their dog causes to a person in a public place or lawfully in a private place, regardless of the dog's previous behavior or the owner's knowledge of its aggressiveness. However, the strict liability does not apply if the injured person was provoking the dog, trespassing, or committing another tort at the time of the injury. It's important for dog owners in Oregon to familiarize themselves with both state laws and local ordinances to ensure compliance and to understand their potential liability in the event of a dog bite or attack.