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Animals

negligent handling

The owner of a dog or other animal may be liable for negligence in handling the dog when the dog causes personal injury or property damage. Sometimes a plaintiff must show that the owner had knowledge of the dog's dangerous propensities in order for the dog's owner to be liable for negligent handling.

In Florida, the liability of a dog owner for injuries or damages caused by their dog is governed by a combination of state statutes and common law principles. Under Florida Statute 767.04, a dog owner is liable for any damage done by their dog to a person or to any animal included in the definitions of domestic animal, livestock, or poultry. This liability applies regardless of the dog's former viciousness or the owners' knowledge of such viciousness. However, the owner is not liable if the person injured was trespassing or committing another tort, or if the person injured was negligently contributing to the injury. In cases where the dog causes property damage, the owner may also be held liable under the principles of negligence if it can be shown that the owner failed to exercise reasonable care in controlling or restraining the dog. In some cases, demonstrating the owner's knowledge of the dog's dangerous propensities may be relevant to establishing negligence.

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Animals

negligent handling

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Florida State Code

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Animals

negligent handling

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