California Dog Bite Quarantine Law – The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc.

Most states have strict laws to protect citizens from the consequences of dog bites. California’s dog bite laws hold dog owners automatically liable for most bites and outline procedures to hold dog owners accountable for their dog’s actions.

Alongside this, California law decrees that dogs involved in an attack or bite will be placed in quarantine following the incident. The state has specific requirements for how to complete quarantine and the implications of violating it.

If you suffered injuries from a dog bite, discuss your legal options with a Discovery Bay dog bite attorney today.

What is Dog Bite Quarantine?

Dog bite quarantine is the legal requirement for a dog that has bitten or attacked a person to be isolated for 10 days. The quarantine is mandatory, and it is aimed at preventing the spread of diseases, mainly rabies. The quarantine is used to observe the behavior of the dog and ensure it does not show signs of rabies.

How Dog Bite Quarantine Works?

When a dog bites someone in California, the owner must notify local officials, who will initiate the quarantine period. During the quarantine period, the dog must be isolated either at the owner’s home or at a county animal care center.

If the owner is unable to follow quarantine procedures, the dog will be quarantined at the county animal shelter at the expense of the dog owner.

At the end of the quarantine period, the animal is released to the owner if it does not have rabies, or euthanized if it does. The injured party is also notified of whether the dog is diseased or not.

What Happens to a Dog If They Bite Someone?

If your dog bites someone, California law stipulates that you must provide the bite victim with your contact information as well as your dog’s medical history within 48 hours of the incident. The information should include the dog’s rabies vaccination history, which is mandatory in California if the dog is three months or older.

Failure to comply with the mandatory dog bite quarantine procedure can result in criminal charges. It is essential to follow these quarantine procedures to protect both the public and the animal itself from the potential spread of disease and harm.

Dog Bite Personal Injury Cases

Under California law, dog owners are strictly liable for damages caused by their pets. This means that regardless of the dog’s history of aggressiveness, the owner is responsible for all injuries and damages caused by the dog.

In most cases, dog bite victims will file a personal injury claim against the owner’s home or renter’s insurance. However, if the owner does not have insurance, the victim can still pursue legal recourse against the owner directly.

It is important to note that while California law provides for strict liability in dog bite cases, there are still some defenses that the owner may be able to use to reduce or eliminate their liability. These defenses include provocation by the victim, trespassing on the owner’s property, or engaging in any other behavior that could be deemed negligent or reckless. Therefore, dog bite personal injury cases in California can be complex and require the counsel of an experienced dog bite attorney.

Contact Our Dog Bite Attorneys for Help

At The Cartwright Law Firm, our San Francisco dog bite attorneys understand the complexities often associated with dog bite injuries. Contact The Cartwright Law Firm today to schedule a consultation with our reliable dog bite attorneys.

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