One of the biggest nightmares for any dog owner is for their pet to bite another person. In Connecticut, you are liable if your dog bites someone regardless of the situation, although there are a few exceptions to this rule. This is what you should do.
Strict liability dog bite law
Connecticut follows the strict liability dog bite law, which means you’re responsible for your dog biting someone even if it’s the first time it happened. This applies even if your pet has always been friendly.
Actions to take after your dog bites someone
Some immediate steps should be taken after your dog has bitten someone. First, you should remove your dog from the situation. If you’re home, this is easier to do as you can move them into another room.
Administer first aid to the victim. Thoroughly wash the bite wound with water and soap, use antiseptic ointment or cream and cover it with a bandage. You should call 911 for an ambulance if the bite is severe. If it’s not too bad, you can drive them to the nearest emergency room.
If the victim is a stranger, exchange contact information with them. Look for witnesses and get their information as well. This is crucial as there may be some who can back up your side of the situation. For example, if the victim provoked your dog in some way such as teasing them, witness accounts might help.
Obtain a copy of your dog’s veterinary records as proof of vaccination and health history. You might also have to contact your local authorities to inform them of what happened. While it’s scary to involve animal control, your case might be better if you report the bite before the injured person does.
In most cases, after a dog bite, you might have to pay for the victim’s medical bills. Your dog might not be put down if they have no history of aggression and biting.