If a Dog Bites Someone Will It Be Put Down?

As a dog owner, few events are more troubling than your dog biting someone.

Not only can it be confusing and scary to see your beloved companion hurt someone else, but it can also mean serious legal repercussions for your dog.

And yes, sometimes that may even mean your dog will be euthanized (“put down”).

Fortunately, this is NOT the most common outcome, but it is a possibility owners must be aware of.

Below, we’ll discuss what happens when your dog bites someone and what instances may result in euthanasia. 

Key Takeaways: If a Dog Bites Someone, Will He Be Put Down?

• While uncommon, your dog can be euthanized for biting someone. However, things like lawsuits, fines, criminal charges, or muzzle mandates are much more likely outcomes than euthanasia.
• Dog bite laws vary by location. There is no federal dog-bite law in the United States, so penalties and processes differ from state to state, and in some cases, from community to community.  
• Addressing aggression is key in preventing bites. Avoiding biting instances means treating aggression promptly with a canine behaviorist before the behavior escalates.

Will a Dog Be Euthanized for Biting Someone?

Determining whether or not your dog will be euthanized after biting someone is a complicated matter, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question.

Laws vary by state, county, and sometimes even by city. Outcomes differ from case to case, as well.

But while it’s possible that your dog could be euthanized for biting someone, it just isn’t very common.

Several factors will play a part in determining the ultimate outcome for your dog:

• Was this your dog’s first bite? In most jurisdictions, euthanasia is only considered as an option for dogs who’ve been involved in two or three serious bite incidents. In the majority of situations, a dog will not be put down for a first bite.
• How severe was the bite? If your dog caused significant bodily injury or death, euthanasia will be more likely, simply in the interest of public safety, if nothing else.
• Has your dog been improperly trained or received training involving protection or bite work? Dogs trained to guard, attack, kill, or fight may be deemed dangerous enough to warrant euthanasia.
• What breed is your dog? Unfortunately, stigmas still exist, and certain dogs can be euthanized after a bite because of their breed alone, including pit bulls, shepherds, Akitas, and Rottweilers. 

Just understand that euthanasia isn’t automatic for dogs who fit one of these parameters — it’s often a “big picture” thing. Suffice to say, euthanasia is far more likely for a German shepherd who’s inflicted several severe bites than it is for a Labrador who delivers a minor nip for the first time.

Do note that in the extremely rare event of a rabies infection, euthanasia is the only option, as rabies is incurable once symptoms have appeared.

What Happens When Your Dog Bites Someone?

Laws and procedures vary by location, but for the most part, dog bites are handled similarly around the US.

Most commonly, the sequence of events following a bite will follow this basic pattern:

• Someone will report the bite. Dog bites should be reported to the local health department — it may even be legally required in some locations. If the injured person was treated at a doctor’s office, urgent care, or hospital, this is usually done by the medical staff. It is probably a good idea to speak to an attorney before reporting the bite yourself, but ultimately, the bite needs to be reported.
• The dog’s rabies vaccination status will be verified. A public health official will reach out to you (or your vet) for proof of your dog’s up-to-date rabies vaccination. If this cannot be obtained, your dog will be seized and placed into a mandatory quarantine period to be observed for signs of rabies, typically at a local animal shelter.
• Your dog may be confiscated and impounded. In some cases, your dog may be confiscated by reporting authorities until an investigation can be completed. The more severe the bite was, the more likely your dog will be (at least temporarily) confiscated.
• An investigation may take place. Local authorities may investigate the incident if the bite caused severe bodily harm or occurred during the commission of a crime. During this time, they will determine what (if any) criminal charges are warranted and if special actions are needed, such as designating that your pet is a dangerous dog.
• A judge or other authority will make a determination regarding your dog’s future. Once the investigation is completed, local officials will decide the most appropriate outcome. This may include fines, criminal charges, loss of ownership, or euthanasia. 

Civil action may occur after this point, essentially meaning that the victim may take you to court seeking damages.

In most cases, dog bite incidents rarely go beyond the first two steps, but it’s always a good idea to consult a lawyer to navigate the legal environment. It’s also a good idea to document the incident details and gather witnesses, if applicable.

What Is the “One Bite” Rule for Dogs?

Sometimes referred to as the “One Free Bite Rule,” this principle means that owners may not be liable for damages caused by a dog’s first bite. 

The thought behind the legislation is that dogs are animals, and animals are unpredictable. Under this principle, a dog must have an established history of bites (meaning more than one instance) to put its owner at risk of criminal or financial penalties.

But in the event of a subsequent bite, you can be held responsible since you knew what your dog was a potential bite risk.

But this is not a universal legal principle in the United States — some states embrace such laws, while others do not. States without “one bite” laws are known as strict liability jurisdictions, meaning that you may suffer legal ramifications following any bite — whether it’s your dog’s first or not.

One bite laws do still exist in several states, including Texas, New York, and Virginia, but the legal particulars involved may vary.

For instance, in New York, the rule applies to criminal charges, but you can still be on the hook for lawsuits following your dog’s first bite. And one-bite rules aren’t always “air-tight defenses” either, as you may still be held liable if it can be proven that you knew your dog was aggressive.

Most states have adopted strict liability laws, deeming owners responsible for all bites, including the first. These strict liability laws may sound harsh, but they are designed to make it possible for bite victims to receive compensation for medical or veterinary bills if they or their pets are attacked by a dog.

What Do “Strict Liability Laws” Mean for a Dog Who Bites Someone?

Strict liability laws place the blame in a bite incident on the owner, not the dog.

This means you’re held financially (or possibly criminally) liable if your dog injures someone else — regardless of the circumstances or your dog’s previous history. However, there are a few exceptions to this, such as if your dog was provoked or entered your home without permission. 

But no matter whether you live in a strict liability state or one that has a “one bite” rule, your dog may be labeled an aggressive dog, depending on the severity of the bite.

Can You Be Held Criminally Liable for a Dog Bite?

It isn’t especially likely, but it is possible that you’ll be held criminally liable for your dog biting someone.

This will depend on a couple of different factors, but the most important are the laws in place in your area and the facts surrounding the bite incident. This is especially true in severe injury or death cases and incidents seen as gross negligence, like failing to secure a dog previously deemed dangerous.

Criminal repercussions for a dog bite may include things like fines, community service, restitution, and even jail time in rare cases.

Do the Circumstances of a Dog Bite Matter?

In many ways, this question reflects some of the other common dog bite questions owners have: It depends on where you are.

The circumstances surrounding a dog bite matter a great deal in some jurisdictions, while they aren’t much a factor in determining the ultimate outcome in other places.

But in most cases, yes, the circumstances surrounding the bite will be taken into consideration. 

For example, in areas with strict liability laws in place, you may be less likely to face legal consequences if the bite victim entered your property without permission or provoked your dog. By contrast, if your dog was running around at large and bit someone, you’re more likely to suffer criminal or civil penalties. 

Because of this gray area, you must be a good advocate for your dog, speak with an attorney, and document everything. Your best evidence is a witness or, best of all, a video of the incident. 

If the bite occurred on your property for instance, check your security cameras, if applicable, or ask a neighbor if they have any covering your yard. You can also note if the victim had permission to be on your property or if they provoked the dog in any way.

When Is a Dog Declared “Dangerous?”

A dog may be declared dangerous if the bite victim petitions the court to impose the label or if the bite incident was severe. A biting dog might also receive this label based on his breed alone, as we discussed earlier. 

Being labelled a “dangerous dog” doesn’t mean your pet will be euthanized, but it does mean that you’ll likely have to implement a few mitigation strategies to help prevent future bites.

The exact requirements imposed will vary by location, though most municipalities will require the following after a dog is deemed dangerous:

• He’ll have to wear a muzzle. This doesn’t mean your dog will have to wear a muzzle when hanging with you on the couch, but dangerous dogs are generally required to be muzzled any time they’re in public. Don’t worry though – with some desensitization training, your dog should’t mind the muzzle at all!
• You’ll have to warn others that your dog is dangerous. You may need to mark your property or hang signs warning visitors and passersby that your dog has been deemed dangerous.
• You may need to move. In rare cases, a dangerous dog may be banned from a community, which will require you to either move or rehome the dog (which may not even be appropriate in some cases).
• You’ll have to secure insurance. You may need to carry special liability insurance (potentially with mandated levels of coverage) if you own a dog labeled as dangerous. 

How to Protect Yourself If You Have a Dog Who Bites

For one reason or another, you may have an aggressive dog who is liable to bite strangers. This of course can be quite a dangerous situation, and it’s recommended you seek out a professional, certified dog behavior consultant (NOT a trainer) to work on your dog’s aggression (which is most often due to extreme fear).

Unfortunately, not everyone in your community may understand why your dog behaves as he does. Others may not be sympathetic that your dog is terrified and trying to keep himself safe. So, while working on behavior modification with a professional, make sure you take some steps to keep you and your dog safe.

• Install security cameras. Believe it or not, there have been cases of neighbors intentionally putting their hands over the fence of an aggressive dog to instigate a bite (maybe out a desperate attempt to be rid of a dog the neighbor doesn’t like). In other cases, irresponsible teenagers or clueless kids may let themslves into your prive yard and end up with a bite. Instaling security cameras outside your home will help give you evidence to take to authorities if the police do end up involved after a biting incident.
• Install a secure fence. If your dog has the potential to bite, he cannot be outside unattended. Installing a high, secure fence will go a long way to helping keep your dog safe and preventing any unsavory situations, like your dog snapping at a child through a low, unsecured fence.
• Put up signs. Put up signs around your home warning that there is a dog inside. In some cases, this can mitigate your liability and – at the very least – keep strangers at bay.
• Gear up your dog. Some owners choose to dress their dog in orange warning vests or “do not pet” leashes and bandanas to reduce the chance that a clueless stranger will come up and pet your dog.
• Use gates. To prevent your dog from escaping the home (and potentially biting someone as a result), consider installing multiple gates between various rooms throughout your home – especially in the hallway or doorway area to outside access points.

The Importance of Addressing Aggressive Dog Behaviors

Your best defense against facing this heartbreaking situation is to treat aggression with a certified canine behavior consultant rather than a standard-issue dog trainer. 

Aggression is a complex issue that requires deep understanding, patience, and empathy. This means understanding your dog, figuring out what’s causing the dangerous behavior, and learning how to move forward for a safer, happier life for all involved. 

Treating aggression — and treating it quickly — can help prevent dangerous escalations and, ultimately, bites.

Also, you’ll want to learn to read your dog’s body language and spot the signs of canine stress and anxiety. By doing so, you’ll be able to determine when your dog may be feeling defensive, thereby allowing you to remove him from the situation and sidestep potential bites entirely.

Remember, aggression isn’t necessarily your fault or a sign of failure. Aggressive behaviors have all sorts of triggers, including illness, negative past experiences, and chemical imbalances.

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No owner wants their dog to harm anyone, and we empathize with the difficult decisions and road you have ahead. We hope that with this information about dog bites and potential euthanasia, you find the peace and clarity you need most during this difficult time.

If you are forced to consider behavioral euthanasia for your dog, consider also reading our guide to guilt associated with behavioral euthanasia in order to prepare for the rollercoaster of emotions you’ll likely end up experiencing.

Have you been through a dog bite incident before? We’d love to hear the story and ultimate outcome in the comments below.