If your dog bites someone, it can be overwhelming, and there’s a lot to think about. Beyond the immediate concern for the person who was bitten, there are some legal things you’ll need to consider.
Here’s a look at what you should keep in mind in Texas, especially if you’re unsure about your responsibilities.
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The “One-Bite Rule” – Is your dog a danger?
Texas follows the “one-bite rule,” meaning that if your dog bites someone for the first time, you generally aren’t automatically held responsible—unless you already knew (or should have known) your dog could be dangerous. This rule is meant to give your dog one chance before you’re held liable for injuries.
But, here’s the thing to consider: If your dog has shown signs of aggression before, like growling or snapping, you could be held responsible if it bites someone. You may not be off the hook even if this is the first bite if the dog had a history of aggressive behavior and you didn’t take the proper steps to control it. So, keep track of any signs that your dog might need additional training or behavioral support.
Dog Control – Are you doing enough?
Even if your dog has never bitten anyone before, you could still be liable if you weren’t properly controlling the situation. For example, if your dog was off-leash in a public place or if you didn’t take precautions (like securing the dog in your yard), you might be considered negligent. Consider whether you’ve been following all the rules to keep your dog safe—and others safe from your dog.
Houston’s Leash Ordinance – Are you following it?
In Houston, there’s a strict leash law that can affect your liability. If your dog is off-leash outside of designated dog parks or off-leash areas, you could face fines or be held responsible for any harm your dog causes. This law is strict because it doesn’t matter if you meant to let your dog roam or not; you can still be held liable. If your dog is off-leash and bites someone, the situation could become a legal issue very quickly. It’s something to think about before you let your dog off-leash anywhere other than a designated dog park.
Defenses to Keep in Mind – What could help your case?
There are a couple of defenses to consider if your dog bites someone. For example, if the person provoked your dog—teasing, tormenting, or approaching it in a way that could make the dog feel threatened—that could help your case. Also, if the person was trespassing when the bite occurred, you might not be held responsible. But, these defenses are only valid if you can prove them, so think about the circumstances around the incident.
Serious Cases – Could criminal negligence apply?
If the bite causes serious injury or even death, things get a lot more serious. Texas law says that if you were criminally negligent in how you handled your dog, you could face felony charges.
This could happen if you ignored signs that your dog was dangerous and didn’t take proper precautions to keep it secure. So, think about whether there were any red flags that you might have missed, or if there was a lack of action that could have prevented the bite.
Quarantine and Rabies – What happens to your dog?
Once a dog bites someone, it’s required to be quarantined for at least 10 days to check for rabies. Even if your dog has been vaccinated, this is the standard procedure. In some cases, if your dog is up-to-date on its rabies vaccinations and isn’t showing aggressive behavior, it might be allowed to stay home during quarantine. But, local policies can differ, so check with animal control in your area to see what’s required.
Does your insurance cover dog bites?
Many homeowners’ insurance policies cover dog bites, but not all do. It’s worth considering whether your insurance has this coverage, as it could help cover medical costs or other damages.
If you don’t have insurance or if the damages are more than your policy will cover, you may end up facing a lawsuit. If you end up in court, the victim could be awarded damages for things like medical bills, pain and suffering, or lost wages.
So, take a moment to review your coverage and make sure you’re protected.
Keep your dog’s rabies vaccination current
In Texas, all dogs must be vaccinated for rabies by the time they’re 4 months old. If your dog isn’t up-to-date on its rabies shots, this could create more problems, especially if the bite victim is concerned about rabies.
It’s a simple thing to keep track of, but it could make a big difference if something happens. Always make sure your dog’s vaccinations are current, and keep a record of them just in case.
Final thoughts
If your dog bites someone, there’s a lot to consider—legally and practically. You need to think about whether you’ve been following leash laws, whether your dog has shown signs of aggression, and how well you’re controlling the situation.
If you’re unsure about your responsibilities, it’s a good idea to consult a lawyer. Being proactive about your dog’s behavior and understanding the laws in your area can help prevent these situations from happening in the first place.
But if something does go wrong, knowing the law and your rights can help you handle the aftermath with confidence.
