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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 Ohio, the liability of a dog owner for injuries or damages caused by their dog is governed by Ohio Revised Code Section 955.28(B), which states that the owner, keeper, or harborer of a dog is liable for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that is caused by the dog, unless the victim was committing or attempting to commit a crime or was teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog on the owner's property. This statute imposes strict liability on dog owners, meaning that the owner can be held liable regardless of whether they knew of the dog's dangerous propensities. However, in cases where negligence is claimed, the plaintiff may need to show that the owner failed to exercise reasonable care in controlling or restraining the dog, and that this failure led to the injury or damage. Knowledge of the dog's dangerous propensities can be a factor in establishing negligence, but it is not a requirement under the strict liability statute.

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Animals

negligent handling

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Ohio State Code

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Animals

negligent handling

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