One dog bite might be an accident. Two bites? That’s when California law steps in with serious consequences. The state doesn’t take repeat offenses lightly. Once a dog has bitten multiple people, there’s a whole legal process that kicks into gear, and owners can face everything from strict requirements to criminal charges.
What Makes A Dog “Dangerous” Under California Law
California won’t label a dog as dangerous without good reason. The designation usually comes after a dog has acted aggressively more than once. It’s not something animal control throws around casually. Animal control agencies investigate each incident thoroughly. They’ll look at how severe the injuries were, whether someone provoked the dog, and what led up to each attack. Context matters. A dog that bites an intruder breaking into someone’s home is treated very differently from one that attacks a child walking past on the sidewalk.
The Process After A Second Bite
When a dog bites for the second time, animal control opens a formal investigation. They interview witnesses and review medical records. They examine the dog’s complete history. The owner gets notified and has the right to respond with their side of the story. If animal control decides the dog is dangerous, they can impose strict requirements:
- The dog must wear a muzzle in public
- The owner needs a secure enclosure on their property
- Liability insurance is required (often $100,000 or more)
- The dog must be microchipped and specially registered
- Spaying or neutering becomes mandatory
These aren’t suggestions you can ignore. They’re legal orders. Failing to comply can lead to your dog being removed or euthanized.
Owner Liability After Multiple Bites
Here’s something important to understand. California follows strict liability for dog bites. You’re responsible for the injuries your dog causes, period. It doesn’t matter if your dog has never bitten anyone before. Choulos & Tsoi Law Firm has handled cases where dogs with prior incidents caused devastating injuries. Victims in these situations can pursue compensatory damages for medical bills and lost wages. They can also seek punitive damages, which are specifically designed to punish owners who knew their dog was dangerous but didn’t take proper precautions.
Criminal Charges For Repeat Offenders
This is where things get really serious. Owners of dogs with multiple bite incidents can face criminal prosecution if another attack happens. California Penal Code Section 399.5 makes it a crime when an owner knows their dog is dangerous and the dog later causes serious injury or death. We’re talking about a misdemeanor or felony charge. Serious injury means broken bones, disfigurement, or injuries requiring extensive medical treatment. A conviction can land you in jail. You’ll pay fines. You’ll have a permanent criminal record that follows you around.
When Dogs Are Removed Or Euthanized
Animal control can ask a court to remove a dangerous dog from its owner. In some cases, they’ll petition for euthanasia. Courts don’t make these decisions lightly, though. They review the dog’s entire bite history. They consider witness testimony and evidence from both sides. It’s a formal legal proceeding, not a quick administrative decision. A Santa Monica dog bite lawyer can walk you through how these proceedings work if you’ve been injured by a dog with a known aggressive history. The process involves presenting evidence, calling witnesses, and making legal arguments about what should happen to the dog.
Your Rights After Being Bitten
Victims have the right to compensation. Medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. All of it’s recoverable under California law. When a dog has bitten before, proving the owner knew about the danger strengthens your case significantly. Prior incidents often don’t show up in public records unless someone formally reported them. That’s where legal help becomes valuable.
A Santa Monica dog bite lawyer can investigate whether the dog that bit you has a history of aggression. We know how to find this information and use it to support your claim. We’ll dig into animal control records, talk to neighbors, and uncover patterns that prove the owner should’ve done more to prevent what happened to you. California’s laws exist to protect people from preventable injuries. If you’ve been bitten by a dog with a history of attacks, you shouldn’t have to deal with the aftermath alone. Contact our team to discuss your legal options and understand what compensation you’re entitled to receive.
