An attack by a vicious dog can result in severe physical and emotional injuries to the person who was attacked. By statute, the owner of the dog is strictly liable for injuries caused by his or her dog. RSA 466:19. Although frequently referred to as a dog bite statute, a dog owner may be liable for a person’s injuries even if the dog never bites the person.
Further, a landowner may also be liable for injuries caused by a vicious dog. All landowners are under a duty to use reasonable care under all the circumstances in the maintenance and operation of their properties. If a landlord knew or should have known that his tenant kept a vicious dog on the property, then the landlord (and the dog’s owner) may be liable to a person injured by his tenant’s dog.
