As of 2018, dog bites have been reported as the 13th leading cause of non-fatal emergency visits in the United States. Unfortunately, these emergency visits are particularly more common among children.
From 2005 to 2013, records show that dog bites caused about 337,103 emergency visits annually in the US. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, almost 27,000 individuals required reconstructive surgeries in 2018 alone because of dog bites.
Ironically, 3 in every 5 dog bite injuries were caused by pets rather than strays. This further emphasizes the importance of leash laws (and other provisions for animal control). While leash laws vary from state to state, their primary goal remains intact – to ensure public safety.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 38% of all US households keep dogs as pets. These households are responsible for their dogs' well-being and psyche. Apart from serious physical injuries and psychological trauma, dog bites may also spread:
In New York, strict liability typically holds owners liable for any injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of the dog's prior behavior or the owner's knowledge of any viciousness.
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Do Dogs Always Have to be on a Leash When in New York?
Yes, keeping dogs on a leash while in public spaces in New York, is a good rule of thumb. Across the state of New York, dog leash requirements and penalties (should owners fail to meet set requirements) may vary across municipalities. This is in line with Agriculture and Markets Law Article 7, Section 122.
In NYC for example, all dogs in public spaces must be leashed and leashes should not be longer than 6ft. Owners seen with unleashed dogs in public spaces (parks, sidewalks, apartment buildings, etc.) may be reported and would be sanctioned accordingly. Designated off-leash areas – where owners can let their pets roam free – are scattered across the city.
Some exemptions to this rule may be awarded to:
- Service dogs who are actively engaged in training;
- Police work dogs that are on duty; and
- Service dogs assisting individuals with disabilities.
Dogs on private property are not required to be leashed – provided they are properly confined and not a threat to others. Exercising responsible ownership is a civil responsibility of every pet owner.
Do Leash Laws Prevent Dog Bites?
There is very limited data proving that dog leash regulations directly correlate to the reduction of dog bite incidents. Some challenges in establishing any conclusive claims may be attributed to the following factors:
- Not all dog bite incidents are reported, making it difficult to have a complete picture of the issue;
- Reporting methods and requirements have changed over time, further complicating data analysis;
- Actual reports are submitted to various respective locales, all having different mandates in place; and lastly
- The specific context of the incident (leashed vs. unleashed) is not always recorded in reports.
Still, many animal control officers and public health officials believe that leash laws contribute to the reduction of dog bite incidents. At the same time, some studies suggest that proper dog socialization and training – along with responsible ownership – may play a larger role in preventing dog bites than leash laws alone.
In the next segment, let’s study other complementary provisions that New York dog owners should abide by.
Other Relevant Provisions in New York
New York’s Agriculture and Markets (AGM) Law Chapter 69 Article 7, through its various sections, contains all provisions relevant to responsible dog ownership within the state. Some of the most relevant ones cover the following:
Dog Licensing
AGM Chapter 69, Article 7 § 109 requires owners to have their dogs registered locally and vaccinated for rabies. This applies to all dogs over 4 months old. Licenses are issued for at least one year, but no longer than the expiration date of the current rabies vaccination. Upon transfer of dog ownership, the new owner must immediately apply for a new license. Some municipalities may establish purebred dog licenses – collecting a surcharge of at least $3 to fund animal population control efforts.
Spay and Neuter Laws
Through AGM Chapter 69, Article 7 § 116, municipalities are allowed to establish and operate facilities that provide spaying and neutering services for dogs and cats owned by New Yorkers. Such facilities require notarized consent from registered owners before any surgery is done on their pets.
Dangerous Dog Laws
The AGM Chapter 69, Article 7 § 123 is a provision that outlines how to proceed with any incidents of dog attacks in public spaces. It gives victims and animal control officers the right to legally pursue liable dog owners. Under this provision, municipal judges may order dangerous dogs to:
| - be neutered/spayed; - be microchipped; - undergo behavioral evaluation and training; - be in a secure confinement; - be leashed and muzzled in public. |
Dog owners may appeal the “dangerous dog” determination within the next 30 days. However, if a dog has caused serious injury or death without justification, the judge may order humane euthanasia or permanent confinement.
Liable owners are subject to civil penalties and strict liability for medical costs if their dog bites a person, with higher penalties if the dog was previously determined to be dangerous. If a dangerous dog kills a person without justification, the owner may be found guilty of a misdemeanor.
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What to Do if You've Been Attacked by a Dog
If you've been attacked by a dog, it's important to take the following steps:
| 1. Seek medical attention immediately | Dog bites can cause serious injuries and infections. Go to the nearest hospital or urgent care center for treatment. |
| 2. Document the incident | Take photos of your injuries and the location where the attack occurred. Write down details of the incident, including the date, time, and any witnesses. |
| 3. Identify the dog and its owner | Get the dog owner's name, address, and contact information. Ask for proof of the dog's rabies vaccination. |
| 4. Report the attack | Contact your local animal control agency or police department to report the incident. They will investigate and take appropriate action. |
| 5. Contact the dog's owner | Inform the owner about the attack and request their cooperation in providing necessary information and covering your medical expenses. |
| 6. Consult with a personal injury attorney | If you've suffered significant injuries or believe the dog owner was negligent, consult with an attorney who specializes in dog bite cases to discuss your legal options. |
Speak to a Personal Injury Lawyer Today
At the Porter Law Group, our team of proven personal injury lawyers delivers ideal results. We take pride in helping families rebuild after unfavorable circumstances. We operate on a contingency basis – meaning you do not need to pay us anything unless we win your case. Through this approach, we can better support families during their times of need.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of negligence, please reach out to us for a non-obligatory free case evaluation. You can also contact us at 833-PORTER9 or info@porterlawteam.com to schedule a consultation.
