Virginia, New Jersey, and Louisiana require that all vicious dogs be euthanized after a chance to appeal.
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Animal Legal & Historical Center
State Dangerous Dog Laws | Animal Legal & Historical Center
Virginia, New Jersey, and Louisiana require, after a chance to appeal, all vicious dogs to be euthanized. Violations that are mandatory euthanization in one ...
Some other states have laws about dogs biting people, including:
- Utah
In South Salt Lake, a dog may be put down after one bite in certain situations, but in St. George, a dog must be put down after three bites.
- California
A dog is considered potentially dangerous if it:
- Attacks without provocation twice in 36 months, causing defensive action
- Bites a person without provocation, causing minor injuries
- Attacks without provocation twice in 36 months, causing severe injuries or death
- Texas
Domestic dogs, cats, and ferrets must be quarantined or euthanized if they bite a person, regardless of vaccination status.
- Illinois
An animal that is a repeat biter or has severely harmed someone may have to be euthanized.
Some states have a one-bite rule, which means that owners are only liable for a dog's bite if they were negligent or if there was reason to suspect the dog could attack. These states are called one-free-bite states, while strict liability states mean that owners are always liable if their dog bites, even if there was no prior history of violent behavior.
This is for informational purposes only. For legal advice, consult a professional.