Dog Laws In New York

While New York does not have a dog bite statute, New York does have a statute for civil penalties. Under that statute, in addition to a dog owner’s liability when negligence is proven, a dog owner who negligently permits his or her dog to bite someone is subject to a civil penalty of up to $400. In cases where the dog causes a serious injury, the owner will be subject to a civil penalty up to $800.

New York also has a Dangerous Dog statute. The statute defines a “dangerous dog” as a dog that:

1. without justification, attacks a person, a companion animal, a farm animal or a domestic animal and causes physical injury or death. “Physical injury” means impairment of physical condition or substantial pain;

2. a dog that behaves in a manner which a reasonable person would believe poses a serious and unjustified imminent threat of serious physical injury or death. “Serious physical injury” means physical injury which creates a substantial risk of death, or serious disfigurement, protracted impairment of health or impairment of the function of a bodily organ;

3. a dog that, without justification, attacks a service dog, guide dog or hearing dog and causes physical injury or death.

In New York, a landlord can be held liable for injuries caused by a tenant if the injured person can prove that the landlord was negligent. A landlord who has knowledge that a tenant keeps a dangerous dog on the premises and fails to take reasonable steps to remove the dog, or to ensure that it is fully contained to prevent injury, may be liable for damages stemming from negligence.

In addition, some cities, counties, in New York prohibit certain breeds of dogs from being kept at rental properties and a landlord can be held liable for injuries when he or she knowingly allows a prohibited breed from staying on the property.

STATUTE OF LIMITATION:

In New York, the statute of limitations is 3 years from the date of injury. This means you must file a lawsuit against the owner/keeper of the dog within that time or you will be forever time barred from pursuing a case.