Shawna Ruppert

Some states have enacted extremely stringent dog laws so that there are practically no loopholes or deviations in their laws. Some, however, are written in a vague manner; enabling almost any dog owner to circumvent the law one way or another. Thus attorneys frequently will fight for their clients, whereas in another state the case would never be fought and the dog owner would quickly capitulate.

Ordinarily, even a very small community passes some form of law against vicious dogs in an effort to have those in the community control their dogs in order to keep its inhabitants safe. Some of the laws passed by these communities lack decent wording. That being said, if someone actively pursues a suit under these laws, chances are that they will win rather than the dog owner.

Interestingly enough, provisions have been made in the PA dog laws outlining when a dog need not wear the collar and tag. These include, but are not limited to, hunting events, performance events, and also dog shows; however the tag and collar should be in the possession of the person accompanying the dog to these events. Their laws also stipulate that any dog that is 3 months old or older must have a license.

While different states, different municipalities, and different cities may have to uphold a different law on dog bites, often it is up to the courts to decide. We, as human beings, have found it necessary to write laws. These laws cover a plethora of items and, if the particular law is found to be something that could be questioned, we have set up systems to see that justice prevails; even for dogs and dog owners.

In Georgia there is a rather stringent law with regard to their very specific "Dangerous Dog Control Law." You see, any dog that has been found to fall in the category of being called a dangerous dog now requires the owner of said dog to have to carry, in the least, a $15,000 liability insurance premium.

Dog owners are protected and prosecuted by these laws as well, as they are ultimately responsible for the care of their pet, as well as any damage that it may cause throughout the course of its lifetime. Many a dog owner has opened themselves up to lawsuits, criminal prosecution, and steep fines when they have failed to act responsibly during the course of caring for their pet and ensuring its protection as well as the protection of the public from it.

When a case goes to court due to the results of dog bites, there are times when the victim goes through tremendous anxiety brought on by the attack, and may even evince a terror of dogs. Some victims relive the attack, in a post-traumatic stress, or may even have nightmares about the attack. In such cases, the courts will sometimes order the dog owner to pay restitution to the offended party.

There are various things that will be brought out in a suit for a dog bite, such as the maimed clothing that the victim wore, pictures that were taken of the wounds, police reports, and hospital or doctor reports from those who treated the victim. Any and all of these things can be used in a dog bite suit.

Every state has its own dog laws, and of course there is a CA dog law. The California Legislature has enacted many provisions about dogs, but none are stricter than the control of dog menaces that have bitten when not even provoked, causing injury to unsuspecting adults as well as children, and even other pets.

Often people want to know what happens if they are bitten by a dog, what to do? Before focusing on the legalities of the incident, you will obviously want to make sure you're your wound is taken care of.