Legal Question in Personal Injury in Maryland

liability in city dog park

If two pet dogs get in a fight within the city dog park, what liability (vet costs,etc.) does each person have towards the other if any,and what liability does the city have? I am interested in injuries to the pets, not to the owners or property.


Asked on 11/21/01, 12:07 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Re: liability in city dog park

The liability of a pet owner for injury to another's pet which is injured under these circumstances would depend on whether the owner of the pet causing injury failed to exercise reasonable control over his/her pet, and whether the failure to exercise reasonable control was a significant factor in the attack. If the pet owner had no reason to believe his pet would attack yours based on prior behavior, it would be unlikely that he would be held responsible, unless he violated a specific rule in the dog park regarding control of the pet.

You couldn't hold the city responsible--they merely provide the facility where people can come and exercise or play with their dogs. They don't guarantee the safety of your pet from attacks from others.

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Answered on 11/21/01, 12:27 pm


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