Utah dog liability for owners of strong dogs

Utah's statute reaches owners and keepers and does not require proof that the dog was vicious.

German Shepherd running across a garden lawn

The statute

The dogbitelaw.com summary of Utah dog bite law quotes Utah Code 18-1-1: every person owning or keeping a dog is liable in damages for injury committed by the dog, and it is not necessary to allege or prove that the dog was vicious or that the owner knew it. The only exception it lists is for law enforcement dogs used reasonably and carefully by agencies.

Negligence and local law

The dogbitelaw.com summary of Utah dog bite law adds that violating an animal control law, such as a leash law, can be a prima facie case of negligence. The dogbitelaw.com Utah page on negligence and comparative fault says Utah also allows negligence claims and applies comparative fault, so a victim who is partly at fault recovers less.

What it means for buyersA trained protection dog does not change the statute. The owner is liable by statute, so fencing, a reliable recall and insurance are the practical protection. Ask a Utah attorney how this applies to you.

Filing deadline

The dogbitelaw.com list of filing deadlines lists Utah Code 78B-2-305 (statutory liability, three years) and 78B-2-307 (negligence, four years). Ask an attorney for the current limit.

Insurance and housing

Tell your insurer what dog is coming and read your lease or association rules first. State law does not override either.

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