Florida Dangerous Dog Laws

• Florida is one of many states that have dangerous dog statutes in their law books.Two Dogs image by ziggyhendry from Fotolia.com
  
  Dogs can be wonderful companions for people around the world, but they can also be dangerous animals capable of causing serious injury. Dogs can become aggressive for many different reasons, ranging from genetics to illness to abuse. Every state has its own laws regarding dangerous dogs and how they are to be handled; Florida is not an exception.
  
  

Definition

• Florida defines a dangerous dog as any dog that has been trained or participated in dog fighting, has attacked or caused unprovoked injury to a human on public or private property or has chased or threatened someone unprovoked with apparent intent and ability to attack. These incidents must also be proven via sworn written statement of any witnesses or victims as well as any investigators. A dog is also classified as dangerous if it has killed a domestic animal off the owner's property on more than one occasion.
  
  

Liability

• A dog's owner is held liable under Florida law for any damages or injuries the dog causes, regardless of any absence of previous violent behavior. If the victim's own behavior contributed to the incident, than the owner's liability for personal or property damages is reduced by the percentage the victim's own behavior contributed to the attack. If the attack happens on the owner's property and there is a sign prominently displayed reading "Bad Dog," the owner is not liable unless proven otherwise negligent or if the victim is under 6 years old.
  
  

Legal Responsibilities of Dangerous Dog Owners

• If a dog falls under the state's definition of a dangerous dog, then it must be registered by the owner with the state. The dog will then be marked with either a tattoo on the inner-thigh or an electronic implement. The owner must then keep the dog contained indoors or outside in a secure pen that prevents the dog from escaping and prevents the entry of small children. All entry points to the property must have visible signs clearly stating that a bad dog resides on the property. Animal control must be informed if the dog escapes, is sold, moves to another address, dies or is unconfined.