A Different Kind Of Quarantine, One For Your Dog

Over the last nearly two years we’ve heard a lot about the need to quarantine due to the COVID-19 virus.  After being exposed to someone who has tested positive for the virus it is the recommendation of the U.S. Centers For Disease Control (CDC) that you quarantine for 14-days.  Now that we’re all familiar with that term, there is another kind of quarantine that applies to our lives, but for a very different reason.  If you experience a New Haven dog bite injury, the dog that bites you must quarantine for 14-days according to Connecticut statute.

In the state of Connecticut the owner of a dog who attacks another human being is liable for the injuries suffered.   After the attack, the animal control officer or Department of Agriculture commissioner has the authority to quarantine the dog who committed the attack or the dog can even be put down as a result of the attack.  This is generally done in extreme cases, but it is codified in state statute so it is a possibility.

As the person who is attacked, you will not be held liable if you feel the need to kill the animal during the attack, if the attack happens off the owner’s property.  While this is not an ideal situation of course, it may become necessary if there is no safe way to get out of the attack other then killing the animal.

The owner of the dog may not be the only person held liable for not handling a dog that is known to be vicious.  In some instances courts have ruled, including the Connecticut Supreme Court, that person’s other then the dog’s owner could be held liable for a dog bite injury.  Take for instance a landlord who has knowledge that a dog owned by her/his tenant is vicious and could present a risk, if that dog does attack someone, the landlord can also be held liable for not take action.

If your dog is involved in a New Haven dog bite injury and is quarantined, the length of the quarantine is 14-days and in many cases your dog will be returned to you after that quarantine period.  As a dog owner it is important to review statute so you can know your rights and the rights of your dog if a situation like this were to arise.

A dog bite can be a scary thing and if it results in an injury you may want to speak with an attorney who knows the laws and can protect your rights.  Contact our office immediately and one of our experienced attorneys will review your case.