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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 Washington State, 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 RCW 16.08.040, the state's dog bite statute, an owner is strictly liable for any injuries or damages caused by their dog biting someone in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner, regardless of the dog's prior behavior or the owner's knowledge of its dangerous propensities. However, for other types of harm caused by a dog, such as property damage or non-bite injuries, the plaintiff may need to prove that the owner was negligent in handling the dog. This could involve showing that the owner knew or should have known of the dog's dangerous tendencies and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the harm. The 'one-bite rule,' which requires knowledge of the dog's dangerous propensities, does not apply in Washington for dog bite cases due to the strict liability statute, but it may be relevant in cases of negligence for non-bite injuries or property damage.

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Animals

negligent handling

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Washington State Code

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Animals

negligent handling

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