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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 Rhode Island, the liability of a dog owner for injuries or damages caused by their dog is governed by both statutory law and common law principles. Under Rhode Island General Laws Section 4-13-16, an owner or keeper of a dog is strictly liable for any injuries or damages that the dog causes to a person or to another animal while the dog is outside of the owner's premises. However, when the incident occurs on the owner's property, the 'one-bite rule' may apply, which means that the owner may only be held liable if they knew or should have known about the dog's dangerous propensities. This is often referred to as the dog having a 'vicious propensity.' The plaintiff must show that the owner was aware of the dog's aggressive nature or had previous indications of the dog's potential for harm. In cases of negligence, the owner may be held liable if it can be demonstrated that they failed to exercise reasonable care in controlling or restraining the dog, leading to the injury or damage.

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Animals

negligent handling

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Animals

negligent handling

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