District of Columbia Dog Bite Laws

District of Columbia has no general dog bite statute, so most claims are decided under common-law rules developed by the courts.

District of Columbia dog bite law at a glance

What District of Columbia law says

• D.C. Code 8-1812, the former civil liability provision, is repealed (MSU: December 20, 2017).
• Violating the at-large rule supports a negligence claim when the dog injures someone (8-1808(a)(2)).
• Fines for 8-1808 violations reach $500, or $1,000 for certain subsections (8-1811).

Strict liability vs. the one-bite rule

Without a dog bite statute, claims follow the common law. Under the "one-bite" rule, an owner is liable if they knew or had reason to know the dog had dangerous tendencies. A victim can also argue negligence, for example that the owner broke a leash ordinance or failed to control the dog.

Dangerous dog rules in the District of Columbia

• A dangerous dog has, without provocation, seriously injured a person or domestic animal, or repeated potentially dangerous behavior (8-1901).
• Serious injury means broken bones or lacerations needing multiple sutures or cosmetic surgery.
• Registration requires an owner 18 or older, license, vaccination, spay/neuter, microchip, a proper enclosure, an annual fee, landlord or HOA permission and a warning sign (8-1904).
• Penalties reach $500 and 90 days for a first offense, $1,000 for later ones, and up to $10,000 if the dog seriously injures or kills (8-1906).

Deadline to file a claim

Justia's 50-state survey lists 3 years as the general personal injury deadline (statute of limitations) in the District of Columbia. The clock usually starts on the day of the bite. Different deadlines can apply to claims against a government agency or on behalf of a child, so confirm the deadline for your situation with a licensed attorney.

What to do after a dog bite

1. Get medical care, even for a small puncture; bites can become infected.
2. Get the owner's name, contact details and the dog's rabies vaccination status.
3. Report the bite to local animal control or the health department; many places require it so the dog can be observed for rabies.
4. Photograph the injuries and the location, and write down witness names.
5. Keep medical bills and records of missed work, and talk to an attorney before signing anything from an insurer.

If you own a dog that has bitten someone, follow any confinement order from animal control, keep the dog's rabies vaccination current, and consider working with a trainer or behaviorist. Leash rules are covered in District of Columbia leash laws.

Sources

1. Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center: District of Columbia dog laws
2. Justia: Dog bite laws, 50-state survey
3. Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center: Dog bite strict liability statutes