No image available.
Question: Why is it important to keep my dog on a leash?
Answer: California law imposes strict liability, (financial responsibility for damages,) on dog owners for the bites of their dogs.
This means that the owner of the dog is responsible to people who are bitten when they were in a public place, like the sidewalk in front of your house, or, who or lawfully in a private place, like your front yard. So, it’s best to obey leash laws. Leash laws protect people, and, leash laws protect pets.
Dogs off of their property must be properly restrained by a leash or enclosed in a vehicle or cage.
In Riverside County, the dog must wear a handheld leash no longer than six feet. Be careful, because if you are using a retractable leash 8 foot leash, but only use 6 feet, it’s illegal. You must also have complete control of your dog while your pet is on the leash. If you do not, you may face a fine, and face civil responsibility, (pay damages,) to the person who is hurt.
What’s ok?
You do not need to leash your pet:
- Within a fenced-in backyard;
- In a designated off-leash area;
- In a dog park designed for pet socialization.
But remember, even if your dog is leashed, if it bites someone, you are still “strictly liable” for damages. And, even if your dog is leashed but jumps on someone causing a fall and injuries, you may still be liable. While there are many defenses which can raise questions about who is ‘at fault’, it is best to keep your pets under control at all times, as California law tends to favor the person hurt by a dog.
Palm Springs Dog Bite Attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group
Our team of accident attorneys in Palm Springs has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today at (760) 536-8017 for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.
Learn more about the team of attorneys and legal experts at Walter Clark Legal Group.
DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.
- Taxpayer Action Against Riverside County and It's County Executive Officer, Jeff Van Wagenen Nov 28,2024
- WALTER CLARK LEGAL GROUP SPONSORS RIDE FARES FOR THE HOLIDAYS Nov 20,2024
- What To Do If You Have Been Injured At A Concert In California? Mar 27,2024
- Walter Clark Legal Group Reimburses Thanksgiving Ride Fares Nov 14,2023
- Walter Clark Legal Group Donates Backpacks to Booker T. Washington Elementary School Aug 22,2023
- Walter Clark Legal Group Donates Backpacks to Underserved Students Aug 22,2023