North Dakota Dog Bite Laws: Owner Liability and Deadlines

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

North Dakota dog bite law at a glance

Question	Answer
Type of rule	Common law
Dog bite statute?	No
Livestock	Owner liable (36-21-11)
Filing deadline	6 years (Justia)

What North Dakota law says

North Dakota has no strict liability dog bite statute (MSU, Justia).
Owners are liable when their dogs kill, wound or chase livestock or poultry (36-21-11).

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 North Dakota

North Dakota has no state dangerous dog classification; cities and counties regulate.
A judge may order a dog that habitually molests travelers killed after notice and hearing (42-03-02 to 42-03-04).

Deadline to file a claim

Justia's 50-state survey lists 6 years as the general personal injury deadline (statute of limitations) in North Dakota. 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

Get medical care, even for a small puncture; bites can become infected.
Get the owner's name, contact details and the dog's rabies vaccination status.
Report the bite to local animal control or the health department; many places require it so the dog can be observed for rabies.
Photograph the injuries and the location, and write down witness names.
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 North Dakota leash laws.

Sources

This page summarizes state statutes for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and cities and counties often add their own rules; check the current statute and your local ordinance, or ask a licensed attorney about your situation.

North Dakota Dog Bite Laws