Owners are financially responsible for the harmful actions of their pets and should ensure they have control of the animals at all times. While there are no state-wide dog leash laws, most cities, counties, and state parks have leash laws in Clermont that pet owners must adhere to when they take their dogs out in public.
When a dog bites or attacks you in public, the state has legislation to protect you from paying the damages they cause and provide ways to seek damages from the negligent dog owner. Schedule an appointment with a diligent lawyer to learn more about your legal options.
What Happens if an Unleashed Dog Attacks Someone?
Sometimes, pet owners enjoy letting their dog off the leash to run free or the animal breaks free from a fenced yard and attacks someone. They are also more prone to attack other dogs on leashes when they run free. While some parks authorize pet owners to unleash their dogs, responsible owners, in most cases, must ensure they are on a leash while out in public.
When a person or their leashed pet sustains severe harm in an attack by an animal running free, the injured party has the right to pursue damages from the negligent pet owner. An attorney in Clermont skilled in handling cases related to dog leash laws could answer specific questions about recovering damages after reviewing the case.
State Parks Pet Policy and Rules Regulations
Pet owners must be aware of the rules and regulations when they visit state parks with their pets. According to the Florida State Parks regulation, dogs must be on leashes six feet or shorter and remain calm and well-behaved while visiting state parks. While pets are allowed in the parks, there are specific areas that prohibit pets that the owners must be aware of when they enter.
State Dog Bite Law
Dog owners must keep the public safe from bites and attacks leading to bodily injuries as well as foreseeable damages caused by a loose dog. Per the instruction provided in Florida Statutes § 767.04, they must ensure their pets do not attack others. That includes using a leash, keeping them in a fenced yard, and ensuring they receive immunizations as necessary.
Florida adheres to a strict liability law for dog bites and animal attack damages. When someone is out in public and an unleashed dog bites or attacks them, the pet owner is responsible for the damages, whether they have a history of aggression or not.
Under the regulations, the pet owner covers medical bills, lost pay, pain and suffering, and more. A lawyer knowledgeable about Clermont dog leash laws could investigate and collect the evidence needed to establish liability.
Speak to an Attorney About Clermont Leash Laws
Even dogs with no history of aggression can cause problems, including attacking people or their leashed pets when they run free. Therefore, responsible dog owners must ensure they keep their pets on leashes or in fenced yards unless they are in dog parks, allowing them to unleash their pets.
You have the legal right to pursue compensation if the thoughtless actions of a pet owner caused you, your pet, or a loved one to suffer harm. Schedule a consultation with a compassionate lawyer for more information about leash laws in Clermont and your case.
