Protecting people from dangerous dogs is just one of the reasons California leash laws exist. There are many examples of when a dog is noted to be dangerous and hurts a person. However, there are also cases in which a dog that has never bitten anyone can cause serious harm to another person, even if unprovoked. As a result, the state has numerous specific laws that govern dogs. Understanding California leash laws is critical if you are a dog owner or a victim in an accident. Be sure to talk with a San Diego dog bite lawyer when injured in a dog bite attack.
What Are California Leash Laws?
Leash laws are county-specific. However, most counties in the state have some laws that govern dogs and leashes. In Los Angeles County, for example, Code of Ordinances section 10.31.010 applies. This law states that a dog must always be on a leash when it is not confined in a fenced-in area. The leash itself cannot be more than six feet in length.
This applies whenever the dog is on shared or public property. On private property, owners can only have the dog off-leash if the owner allows it. Whenever the dog is walking in public places, it must be under the owner’s control.
There are some restrictions to this. For example, if the dog is in an off-leash dog park, and there are signs that state that, then it may be possible to let them off the leash.
Rural areas of California are less likely to have stringent or specific leash laws. In some communities, dogs may be off leash in the front yard of their homes, even if there is no fenced-in area, as long as the owner controls the dog.
However, most major cities in the state have some version of these laws that dog owners are required to understand and follow. In most areas, dogs cannot be let to roam anywhere, even in your front yard.
What Happens When California Leash Laws Are Not Followed?
These laws aim to ensure that individuals remain safe. If a dog is on private property but attacks someone walking by your home while on the sidewalk, the results can be catastrophic. For this reason, many communities that have leash laws fine owners who violate these rules. Mandatory court appearances may also be required in some situations.
Also important to know is that if someone suffers an injury from the dog, whether it is a serious scratch or a bite, the owner of the dog is responsible for what happens. That means the dog’s owner must pay for the medical bills, lost time at work, reconstructive surgery, and other losses suffered by the victim. The only exception to this rule occurs when the dog is threatened or the dog’s owner is threatened. If a person provokes the dog in any way, that negates the responsibility of the dog’s owner to cover losses.
If you are hurt in a dog bite accident, and you are suffering from medical losses, financial losses, and emotional trauma, seek the help of a local attorney. They may be able to help you get the compensation and assistance you need. California leash laws make it clear that owners are responsible for their dogs’ behavior. When a dog hurts you, hiring a lawyer to protect your rights can prove to be critically important.