What Happens If My Dog That Participates In Law Enforcement Activities Or Assists Persons As A Seeing-Eye Dog Bites Someone?

If you own a dog that participates in activities related to assisting police officers or disabled persons that dog will not be subject to the possibility of quarantine as will a normal domesticated dog that bites another animal or person. However, your police or assistance dog could still be labeled as a dangerous dog, in which case it may not be able to continue its law enforcement or disabled assistance activities. The only exception from the law that applies to this type of dog is that the dog generally will not be sent to quarantine for biting a person or animal.

Other Florida Pet Law FAQs

Q: Am I Legally Responsible If My Dog Bites Someone?
A: Yes. In the state of Florida an owner of a domesticated dog is liable for any injuries that their dog causes to any other person, if that person is in a public place … More
Q: What If My Dog Bites Someone Who Is Trespassing On My Property?
A: If your dog bites someone who is trespassing on your property or in your home, you will not be held responsible. Therefore, if your dog acts as a guard dog and it … More
Q: Is There Any Way That I Can Avoid Being Liable For Injuries That My Dog May Cause To Persons Who Are Lawfully On My Property?
A: Under Florida Statute Section 767.04, if you display a sign that reads Bad Dog, which is placed in the plain sight of any guests you may be able to avoid liability if … More
Q: Am I Still Liable If My Dog Bites Someone Because That Person Was Provoking My Dog?
A: You may still be liable. However, if the person whom your dog bit was provoking the dog or acting in some other manner that contributed to the incident, your liability … More
Q: I Have Read That Some Dogs Are Classified As A Dangerous Dog In Florida? What Does This Mean?
A: A dangerous dog is a classification given to a dog by the proper animal authority in your jurisdiction. A jurisdiction's animal authority will find a dog dangerous if … More
Q: How Is It Determined Whether My Dog Is A Dangerous Dog?
A: An animal control officer will investigate your dog if any incident is reported to animal control regarding your dog. As part of this investigation you may be … More
Q: What Do I Need To Do If My Dog Is Determined To Be A Dangerous Dog?
A: If your dog is found to be dangerous you are entitled to a hearing to challenge that finding. If after a hearing is held at a county court, your dog is found to be … More
Q: What Can Happen If My Dangerous Dog Bites Somebody?
A: If your dog, that has previously been found to be a dangerous dog, bites another person, domesticated animal or livestock without being provoked you, as the owner, may … More
Q: Can My Dog Be Killed By Animal Control If It Bites Somebody And Was Never Found To Be A Dangerous Dog?
A: It depends. If you dog, which has not be found to be a dangerous dog, causes severe injury or death to a human being it may be detained by animal control for 10 days, … More
Q: What If My Dangerous Dog Bites Someone Who Is Attempting To Enter My Property Illegally Or Commit A Crime?
A: If your dog, whether it is considered dangerous or not, bites someone who is attempting to enter your property illegally or commit another crime animal control cannot … More