Dangerous dog laws, including the dog bite law, vary from state to state, with different definitions and outcomes for owners.
In Washington State, dangerous dog laws are outlined in RCW 16.08, which defines a 'dangerous dog' as one that has inflicted severe injury on a human without provocation or that has killed a domestic animal while off the owner's property. Additionally, a dog may be declared dangerous if it has been previously found to be potentially dangerous and aggressively attacks again. Owners of dangerous dogs are required to register them with local authorities, securely confine them, and post warning signs. They must also obtain liability insurance of at least $250,000. Washington's dog bite law (RCW 16.08.040) is a 'strict liability' statute, meaning that a dog owner is liable for damages if their dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully in a private place, regardless of the dog's former viciousness or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness. There are exceptions, such as when the victim provoked the dog. Local jurisdictions within Washington may have additional regulations regarding dangerous dogs.