Dangerous dog laws, including the dog bite law, vary from state to state, with different definitions and outcomes for owners.
In Tennessee, dangerous dog laws are primarily governed by the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically under Title 44, Chapter 8, which deals with 'Dogs and Cats.' According to Tennessee law, a 'dangerous dog' is one that attacks a person without provocation or that engages in behavior that requires a defensive action by any person to prevent bodily injury or death. Owners of dangerous dogs are required to take reasonable steps to keep their dogs from escaping and to protect the public from attacks. Tennessee operates under a strict liability dog bite law, meaning that a dog owner can be held liable if their dog bites someone, regardless of whether the owner knew the dog had the propensity to bite. This liability is not absolute, however; it does not apply if the dog was confined in a kennel or if the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog. Local municipalities in Tennessee may also have their own ordinances regarding dangerous dogs, so it is important for dog owners to be aware of the laws specific to their area.