Despite being “man’s best friend,” dog bites occur quite frequently. The American Veterinary Medical Association shows that over 800,000 people are treated for dog bite injuries every year. An attack victim cannot sue the dog if they sustain injuries and damage. However, Illinois Law states that the dog’s owner can be liable to a person who was attacked by their dog without provocation.
The question that many dog owners have is what will happen to their dogs if they attack and injure someone? Rest assured, a dog likely will not be euthanized after the first bite. However, there are laws you must follow if a dog biting incident has occurred. Agruss Law Firm, LLC. in Chicago can help answer any of your questions.
You Must Produce the Dog to Authorities
There are strict rules to follow when dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite. It is against Illinois Animal Control Law for the owner of a dog to “conceal the whereabouts, euthanize, sell, give away, or otherwise dispose of any animal known to have bitten a person” before authorities can monitor it. Any person who has knowledge of a dog bite attack is required by law to notify animal control within 24 hours of the incident.
The Dog Will Be Kept Under Observation After an Attack
After a dog has bitten someone, it will be placed under confinement. Illinois Animal Control Law 510 ILCS 5/13 states the owner must bring the animal to a licensed veterinarian within 24 hours. If the owner can prove the dog was vaccinated against rabies, the dog may be able to have home confinement if approved by an animal control administrator. Otherwise, the dog will be confined under the care of a licensed veterinarian for a period of 10 days starting from when the bite occurred.
During this isolation period, the dog will be observed by the veterinarian for any signs of aggression or distress. If the dog has not already been vaccinated, the vet will vaccinate it against rabies. If the dog has not been microchipped, then the vet will place a microchip in it. Both will be at the cost to the owner.
The veterinarian will write a report on the condition of the animal at the start of the confinement and another report at the time of discharge. The report will include the name, address, and contact information of the owner. The report will be given to animal control, as well as to the dog attack victim.
Seek Advice From a Dog Bite Attorney
A first-time violation of the Animal Control Law is a Class A misdemeanor. Any subsequent violation is a Class 4 felony. You must follow Illinois law if your dog has attacked someone. Otherwise, you will be in greater legal trouble than just your dog bite victim’s injury claim.
Seek the advice of an Illinois dog bite attorney to learn more about dog bite laws. A dog bite attorney from Agruss Law Firm, LLC. can help you resolve any personal injury liability claims and ensure the future safety of your beloved pet.
