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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 Massachusetts, the law regarding dog bites and injuries caused by dogs is covered under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 140, Section 155. This statute holds the owner or keeper of a dog strictly liable for any damage caused by their dog to a person, livestock, or property. This means that the owner or keeper is responsible for the injury or damage even if they were not negligent and had no prior knowledge of the dog's dangerous propensities. However, the law does provide exceptions where the victim was trespassing, committing another tort, or teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog. In cases involving other types of animals or where the injury is not from a bite, the plaintiff may need to show that the owner was negligent and that the owner knew or should have known of the animal's dangerous propensities to establish liability.

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Animals

negligent handling

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Massachusetts State Code

Animals

negligent handling

Massachusetts State Code

Articles