Best Dog Bite Lawyers in Santa Clarita, CA

Santa Clarita, CA Dog Bite FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Santa Clarita, California?

  The non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Santa Clarita is (661) 260-4000.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Santa Clarita, California?

  You can get a copy of police reports for incidents related to your case in Santa Clarita at the Records and Identification Bureau of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. You may call (562) 345-4441, request through mail, or request in person. Its address is 12440 East Imperial Highway, Suite 400, West Norwalk, California 90650.

• Who is responsible for dog bite accidents in Santa Clarita?

  In Santa Clarita, the dog owner is presumed to be responsible if it causes an injury to someone. California has a strict liability policy for dog bites. This makes no difference as to whether the dog had attacked someone before or shown a vicious propensity. The owner is still accountable, even if it is the dog's first time injuring someone.

• Are there exceptions to the strict liability law in Santa Clarita?

  Yes. One exception is that the strict liability law does not apply to dog owners if their dog has not bitten the victim in Santa Clarita. The strict liability law also does not apply if the victim was trespassing at the time of the attack or if the victim provoked the dog, which caused the dog to attack. In addition, owners of police or military dogs have a defense if their dogs attack while carrying out duties.

• Can a veterinarian in Santa Clarita sue a dog owner if they are bitten?

  No. Under a California Supreme Court ruling, individuals who work with dogs professionally are not covered under the strict liability dog bite law in Santa Clarita. Other professionals exempted from this rule include veterinarian technicians, dog groomers, walkers, sitters, trainers, and dog kennel employees. Exceptions to this rule are if the dog displayed aggressive behavior in the past, the owner is aware of the dog's aggressive behavior, and the owner did not inform the worker of this matter.

• Can you file a lawsuit if another dog bites your dog in Santa Clarita?

  Yes, you can file a lawsuit if another dog bites your dog in Santa Clarita. However, this case will not fall under California’s dog bite statute, Civil Code 3342. You must bring a property damage lawsuit instead, as California law classifies dogs as personal property. The dog owner will be held liable if the dog attacks another dog.

• What should you do if your dog bites someone in Santa Clarita?

  You are responsible for the victim's injuries if your dog bites someone in Santa Clarita. You must provide the victim with your contact details and your dog’s medical history, vaccination information, or any conditions they may have within 48 hours of the incident. You also need to quarantine your dog for at least 10 days, either at your home or at a county animal care center, to ensure that the dog is free from rabies or other diseases. Dogs may be euthanized if they have a history of aggressive behavior and pose a threat to the public.