New Hampshire Dog Bite Laws

New Hampshire has a dog bite statute that makes owners liable without proof that they knew the dog was dangerous, subject to the defenses written into the law.

New Hampshire dog bite law at a glance

What New Hampshire law says

• RSA 466:19 covers damage to persons, property, livestock or fowl.
• Owners and keepers are liable; parents are liable for minor owners.
• Civil recovery is in addition to the penalties in 466:31-a.

Strict liability vs. the one-bite rule

Under a strict liability statute, the owner is responsible for the injury even if the dog never showed aggression before and the owner was careful. The victim does not have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous; the main defenses are the ones written into the statute, such as provocation or trespassing.

Dangerous dog rules in New Hampshire

• A vicious dog bites, attacks or preys on people or domestic animals; a menacing dog growls, snaps or chases people off the premises (RSA 466:31).
• Vicious dog penalties: $400 plus the victim's medical bills, and $1,000 plus medical bills for a second offense within 12 months (466:31-a).
• Towns may require muzzling, and police may take custody of a dog when restraint orders are ignored.

Deadline to file a claim

Justia's 50-state survey lists 3 years as the general personal injury deadline (statute of limitations) in New Hampshire. 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 New Hampshire leash laws.

Sources

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