Michigan Dog Leash and Bite Laws

It’s a beautiful day and you’ve decided to take a walk through Silver Beach County Park. As you’re strolling along the beachfront, you’re alarmed to see a large unleashed dog headed in your direction. Not only are dogs not allowed in this area of the park, but the animal is rushing at you with its teeth bared. Next thing you know, you’ve been bitten so severely on the arm and leg that you’ll need extensive medical treatment and even psychological counseling.

In Michigan, the laws regarding dog leashes and bites are designed to protect individuals in situations like this. The state has specific regulations that hold dog owners accountable for the actions of their pets, especially in cases where the dog was not properly restrained or leashed. This is important because it establishes a clear line of responsibility, which is critical in determining who is liable for your bite injuries. In this blog, the dog bite lawyers at Conybeare Law Office break down the specifics of Michigan’s dog leash and bite laws. If you’ve been seriously injured and are unsure what to do next, call us to schedule an initial consultation.

Understanding Dog Leash Laws in Michigan

Michigan’s leash laws play an important role in ensuring public safety and the well-being of both dogs and the community. These laws are designed to prevent accidents and incidents (like attacks and bites) that can occur when dogs are not properly restrained.

Explanation of Michigan’s Leash Laws

In Michigan, the law requires that dogs be kept on a leash in public spaces. This means that when you take your dog outside your private property, such as for a walk in the park or on a city sidewalk, the dog must be on a leash. The length of the leash is also regulated in some areas, typically not exceeding six feet, to ensure control over the animal at all times.

Responsibilities of Dog Owners

Dog owners in Michigan must ensure that their pets are leashed in public spaces and do not pose a threat to other people or animals. This responsibility extends to keeping their pets from running at large, which means dogs should not be roaming freely without supervision, even in their owner’s neighborhood.

Owners are also expected to be aware of and comply with local ordinances, which may have specific rules about leashes and dog control. Some areas might have designated off-leash areas, like dog parks, where different rules apply. However, even in these areas, owners must maintain control over their pets and prevent any aggressive behavior.

Consequences for Violating Leash Laws

Failure to comply with Michigan’s leash laws can lead to several consequences for dog owners. The most immediate is the risk of their dog causing harm or damage, for which the owner will be liable. This can include dog bites or attacks on other people or animals. In such cases, owners can face legal action, including bite lawsuits for damages caused by their dog.

Violating leash laws can also result in fines and penalties. Local authorities, such as animal control officers, can issue citations to pet owners who fail to leash their dogs in public spaces. Repeated offenses can lead to increased fines and even legal action. In severe cases, particularly if a dog has caused serious harm or is deemed dangerous, there can be more drastic consequences. This can include mandatory confinement of the dog, mandatory training, or, in extreme cases, euthanasia.

Overview of Michigan Dog Bite Laws 

Michigan’s dog bite statute is straightforward: it states that if a dog bites someone without provocation while that person is either on public property or legally present on private property, the owner of the dog is liable for any damages suffered. In any case, this law applies regardless of whether the dog was previously vicious or the owner was aware of its vicious nature. It holds the dog owner responsible for any injury their dog causes by biting someone.

The Strict Liability Rule in Dog Bite Cases

The concept of strict owner liability is central to Michigan’s dog bite statute. Strict liability means that the dog owner is liable for a bite, irrespective of whether they did anything wrong. In other words, even if the dog has never shown aggression before, or the owner took precautions to prevent the dog from biting, they can still be held liable for any injuries.

Exceptions and Defenses in Dog Bite Cases

While the dog bite statute is strict, there are certain exceptions and defenses that can apply:

• Trespassing: If the person bitten was trespassing, or not lawfully on the property where the bite occurred, the owner may not be held liable. This means that if someone enters another’s property without permission and gets bitten by a dog, they may not have a claim against the owner.
• Provocation: If the dog was provoked into biting, the owner might not be held responsible. Provocation can include actions like attacking the dog, teasing it, or behaving in a threatening manner towards it. If it can be shown that the dog reacted to being provoked, the owner may not be liable. 

Both dog owners and potential victims need to understand Michigan’s dog bite laws. For owners, it emphasizes the importance of responsible pet ownership and understanding the risks involved. For attack victims, it provides a legal avenue for seeking compensation, but also clarifies the limitations and responsibilities involved in such cases.

What to Do If You’re Bitten by a Dog

Being bitten by a dog can be a frightening and painful experience, but knowing the right steps to take immediately afterward is critical for your health and the legal action you might take. Here’s what you should do if you find yourself in this situation:

• Clean the Wound: Wash the bite area with soap and water as soon as possible. This helps to remove any saliva or bacteria from the dog’s mouth and reduces the risk of infection.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if the bite seems minor, it’s important to get medical attention. Dog bites can cause infections, and there’s also a risk of rabies or other diseases. A healthcare professional can assess the wound, provide necessary treatment, and give you advice on how to care for the injury.
• Gather Information: If it’s safe to do so, try to get information about the dog and its owner, such as the owner’s name, address, and information about the dog’s vaccination history. If there were witnesses, get their contact information as well.
• Take Photos: Document the injury by taking photos of the wound and the location where the bite occurred. This can be useful evidence if you decide to pursue a legal claim.
• Preserve Clothing: If your clothes were torn or bloodied, keep them as they are without washing, as they could serve as evidence.

Seeking medical attention is vital not only for your health but also for documenting your injuries. Medical records can serve as crucial evidence in any legal action or insurance claim related to the dog bite. They provide a professional assessment of the injury, and the treatment required, and can link the injury directly to the dog bite incident.

How to Report a Dog Bite Incident in Michigan

If you’ve been attacked and bitten, you should report it as soon as possible. Here’s how:

• Contact Local Animal Control: Report the bite to the local animal control agency or the health department in the area where the bite occurred. They can investigate the incident, check the dog’s vaccination history, and take necessary action to prevent further incidents.
• File a Police Report: In some cases, it may also be appropriate to file a report with the police, especially if the bite was severe or if there is a concern about public safety.

After reporting, follow up with the authorities to ensure that appropriate measures are taken and to obtain a copy of the report for your records.

Legal Rights of Dog Bite Victims

As a victim of an unprovoked dog bite in Michigan, you have the right to seek compensation from the dog’s owner. Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to recover various types of bite damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: These economic damages include costs for all medical treatment related to the dog bite, such as emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgery, medications, and any future medical care required, like physical therapy, plastic surgery, or counseling to cope with a fear of dogs.
• Lost Wages: If the injury forced you to miss work, you can claim compensation for lost wages. This also covers any loss in earning capacity if the injury affects your ability to work in the future.
• Pain and Suffering: You may be entitled to compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the dog bite. This includes compensation for any long-term effects like scarring, disfigurement, and psychological trauma.
• Other Expenses: You may also recover costs for other related expenses, such as travel to medical appointments or the cost of hiring help for household duties you’re unable to perform due to your injury.

In Michigan, you must file your lawsuit within the statute of limitations, which is three years from the date of the dog bite. If you fail to file within this time frame, you will lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries. Therefore, it’s crucial to act promptly and consult with an experienced dog bite lawyer soon after the incident to ensure your claim is filed on time.

How a Dog Attack Attorney Can Help

When you’ve been injured by a vicious dog, it’s hard to know what to do next, let alone how to seek compensation. A dog bite lawyer can guide you through the legal process by:

• Evaluating Your Dog Bite Claim: An experienced dog bite attorney will first evaluate your case by considering the circumstances of the dog bite, the extent of your injuries, and the applicable laws. This assessment helps in understanding the strength of your case and the potential compensation you could receive.
• Gathering Evidence: Your dog attack lawyer will collect evidence that supports your attack claim. This includes medical records, medical bills, photographs of injuries, witness statements, and reports from the dog bite incident. They can also help to establish the dog owner’s liability.
• Handling Legal Procedures: Filing a lawsuit involves various legal procedures and documentation. Once you’ve obtained legal counsel, your lawyer will make sure that all necessary paperwork is filed correctly and within the statute of limitations.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Dog bite claims often involve negotiations with insurance companies. Personal injury attorneys have experience in these negotiations and can advocate for a fair settlement that covers all your damages. If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will represent you in court, presenting your case and arguing on your behalf.

Handling a legal case can be stressful. By hiring an experienced attorney, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal aspects of your claim.

Get a Free Consultation From a Michigan Dog Bite Lawyer

If you’ve been attacked by a dog, it’s essential to know your legal rights under Michigan’s dog leash and bite laws. At Conybeare Law Office, our skilled dog bite lawyers can provide the guidance and representation you need. Their experience in handling such cases will be invaluable in ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for any harm suffered.

We encourage anyone dealing with a dog bite incident to contact our law firm for legal assistance. We will listen to you, assess your injury claim, and fight for the settlement or verdict you deserve. To schedule your free initial consultation, call 269-769-BEAR or fill out this contact form. Remember: if it’s not fair, call the Bear!