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History
- Referred to judiciary
- Print number 2494a
- Amend and recommit to judiciary
- Referred to judiciary
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Provides strict liability for medical costs resulting from a dog bite or bites; exemptions allowed for police work dogs, hearing dogs and service dogs
In Assembly Committee · Judiciary · Sponsor Frank Skartados
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S2494A
Title of bill
An act to amend the general obligations law, in relation to liability of owners for dog bites
Purpose
To ensure that dog owners take personal responsibility for the actions of their dog. The bill will hold dog owners strictly liable for the medical bills incurred by a human or companion animal victim of their dog's bite or attack.
Summary of provisions
Adds a new section 11-108 which would hold dog owners strictly liable for medical costs resulting from an individual being bitten by a dog.
This new provision would apply to medical expenses incurred by the dog attack of either a human or a companion animal.
Creates an exemption for police dogs, hearing dogs or service dogs who are performing their duties.
States that this bill would be in addition to other statutory remedies and is not intended to impair or limit other available causes of action.
Justification
Approximately 4.5 million people are bitten annually by dogs and about 750,000 of those victims seek medical attention. Victims often have serious injuries to their face and limbs, yet many of them cannot recover under New York State law. Currently, the victim of an attack can only recover if he proves the dog is vicious and that the owner knew of the dog's vicious propensities. Over the last few years the number of dog bite injuries has increased and there has been a series of dog-related injuries. Victims of these attacks often need stitches, vaccinations and re-constructive surgeries; therefore, it is only fair that the owner of the animal compensate the victim for these expenses. Punishing a particular breed of dog will not end the unprovoked attacks, but encouraging dog owners to take adequate measures to ensure their dogs are well-trained and socialized can improve public safety. The goal of this bill is to encourage responsible dog ownership while ensuring that victims receive compensation for their injuries.
Legislative history
2013: S. 4629 - Referred to Judiciary. 2014: S. 4629 - Referred to Judiciary.
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
On the sixtieth day after it shall have become law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.