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A new law that will significantly increase the civil liability for the owners of dogs who cause serious personal injury, helping to promote more responsible pet ownership and deter vicious dog attacks has been signed by Gov. George Pataki. The law also provides an incentive to help victims of these attacks receive restitution.
Under the new law, the maximum penalty for dog attacks that cause serious physical injury will increase from $800 to $1,500. The maximum fine for a dog attack in which the dog has been previously determined to be dangerous will increase from $1,000 to $3,000. The law also will allow for reductions in penalties and fines in situations where the owner of the dog has made restitution to the victim as compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings or other damages resulting from the animal's attack.
Americans are bitten by dogs nearly five million times a year. More than 800,000 dog attacks require medical treatment, and more than half of the patients are children. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, dog bites are among the top 10 categories of children's injuries.
There are more than 660,000 dogs licensed in the State of New York, excluding New York City.
The law takes effect Nov. 14. 9-26-05
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