Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Hi my sister is babysitting a dog and took it for a walk at the park. she had it on a tight leesh close to her and a little boy ran up and tried to pet the dog, the dog bit the boy, is my little sister at fault? also my little sister did not have the infromation on if the dog is up to date on rabies shots ect. my little sister is worried that criminal charges could be filed against her.


Asked on 6/01/10, 1:37 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

I very much doubt that your sister is liable, either criminally or civilly, unless she knew or should have known that the dog was likely to bite people. Even then it is unlikely that she would be liable.

The dog's owners probably are liable civilly. They may even be liable criminally if the dog has a history of biting people, but this is unlikely unless the dog has a particularly bad history.

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Answered on 6/01/10, 4:44 pm
Anthony Roach Law Office of Anthony A. Roach

I wouldn't worry about criminal charges. As Mr. Hoffman pointed out, the issue is whether the owners of the dog are civilly liable, and whether they were aware the dog had a dangerous propensity.

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Answered on 6/01/10, 6:31 pm


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