How should you walk your dogs in the city? What awaits the owner if his pet attacks a person? What laws apply if a new jersey dog ​​bite attack occurs? A lawyer answers these questions.

First, here are the basic rules for keeping dogs in the city:

1. Walking in strictly designated areas.

2. Dogs must be walked on a leash.

3. For large, aggressive dogs of fighting breeds - on a leash and muzzle.

There is a special list of potentially dangerous dog breeds. These are, in particular, bulldogs, shepherd dogs, Great Danes, terriers, and Rottweilers. The owners of which are required not only to put a muzzle on them, but also to walk them with a short leash (no more than 1 m 20 cm long).

There is a fine for violating dog walking rules . If the owner again goes for a walk with the dog without a leash, muzzle and in the wrong place, then he will face not only a fine, but also confiscation of the dog.

Do not hesitate to contact the police (necessarily with a written statement) against careless owners of dangerous animals. If an accident does occur, then, depending on the severity of the injuries, the dog owners will bear responsibility, ranging from administrative to criminal.

You also need to remember: offending an animal is an ignoble and thankless task. And if you exceed the necessary self-defense in the event of a dog attack, you may receive a counterclaim from its owner for compensation for material damage.

The law will not be on your side even when a conflict with an animal occurs on private territory, at the entrance to which, by the way, there should not necessarily be a sign “There is an angry dog ​​in the yard.”

Gathering evidence is the most difficult procedure for those who want to bring the owner of an attacking dog to justice. After all, it is often difficult to prove which dog caused you harm. That's why:

1. Try to immediately find and write down the contacts of as many witnesses as possible who can confirm the situation that has arisen.

2. Describe the dog in as much detail as possible.

In order to claim financial compensation in court in the future, you will also need receipts that indicate the treatment received. You can also file a claim for moral damages, because a dog attack can cause serious stress for the victim.

So, our advice:

- do not provoke dog aggression;

- do not enter private territory if you are not sure that it is safe;

- after the attack, collect contacts of witnesses and other evidence;

- file a complaint with the police as soon as possible;

- compensate for material and moral damage in court.