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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 Indiana, the liability of a dog owner for injuries or damages caused by their dog is generally based on the principle of negligence. This means that the owner may be held liable if it can be shown that they failed to exercise reasonable care in controlling or restraining the dog, and this failure led to the injury or damage. Indiana does not have a statewide 'strict liability' dog bite statute, which in some states makes the owner automatically liable for dog bites regardless of negligence. However, some local ordinances may impose stricter rules. Additionally, Indiana follows the 'one bite rule,' implying that an owner may be held liable if they knew or should have known about the dog's dangerous propensities, which is often established if the dog has a history of aggression or has bitten someone before. It's important for dog owners to understand their responsibilities and for victims to prove the owner's knowledge of the dog's tendencies to establish liability.

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Animals

negligent handling

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Indiana State Code

Indiana State Code

Animals

negligent handling

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