January 14, 2026
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Dog bites can happen without warning and can cause serious injuries. Under New York dog bite law, victims may have the right to seek compensation when an attack leads to physical and emotional harm. Whether the dog is familiar or not, a bite can have lasting effects that impact daily life.
You may be bitten while walking down the street, visiting a park, or while lawfully on private property. Understanding New York dog bite laws can help you protect your rights and understand what legal options may be available after an injury.
If you’ve been injured in a dog bite, the New York dog bite lawyers at Cellino Law can review your case and explain your options. Schedule a free consultation online or by phone at 888-888-8888.
What Is Considered a Dangerous Dog Under New York Dog Bite Law?
Under New York Agriculture & Markets Law, a dog may be legally classified as dangerous if it:
- Attacks and causes physical injury or death to a person, companion animal, farm animal, or domestic animal without justification
- Acts in a way that would cause a reasonable person to believe the dog poses a serious and unjustified immediate threat of serious physical injury or death
- Attacks a service dog, guide dog, or hearing dog without justification and causes injury or death
A dog does not need a prior bite history to be declared dangerous under New York dog bite laws.
What Happens If a Dog Is Declared Dangerous?
If a court determines a dog is dangerous after a hearing, the judge may order steps to protect public safety, including:
- Spaying or neutering and microchipping
- Evaluation by a certified animal behavior professional
- Secure and humane confinement
- Use of a muzzle or restraint in public
- Maintenance of a liability insurance policy
- Humane euthanasia in aggravated circumstances
If a dangerous dog later causes injury, the owner may face civil penalties, fines, or criminal charges. In cases involving serious physical injury caused by a dog previously declared dangerous, the owner may be charged with a misdemeanor. The owner may also be financially responsible for damages suffered by the injured person.
Establishing Liability Under New York Dog Bite Laws
New York dog bite laws changed in 2025. Victims now have more than one legal path to pursue compensation after a dog attack.
Strict Liability For Dog Bites
New York traditionally has allowed a victim of a dog bite to recover and obtain compensation for their personal injuries from the dog owner and his or her insurance company if the dog owner knew of the dog’s “vicious propensities.” Vicious propensities are any behavior on the part of the dog that would indicate that they could harm a person.
For example, a prior bite by the dog, or even a dog that growled and snarled at people. Once there is notice of vicious propensities, the dog owner is strictly liable to the victim of the bite for all their damages, including medical expenses, lost wages and compensation for pain and suffering.
Negligence Claims for Dog Bites
As of a 2025 decision by New York’s highest court, dog bite victims may also bring negligence claims. This allows injured people to seek compensation if the owner of the dog acted negligently in how they handled or kept the dog.
Under a negligence claim, compensation may include pain and suffering and other losses. The injured person must show that the owner failed to use reasonable care. Prior knowledge of a dog’s vicious behavior is not required for there to be negligence.
Examples of negligence may include:
- Failure to properly leash or restrain the dog
- Ignoring local leash laws
- Allowing the dog to roam freely
- Inadequate supervision
This change has expanded the options available to dog bite victims working with dog bite lawyers in New York.
Can Someone Other Than the Dog’s Owner Be Liable?
Yes. Under New York dog bite laws, liability may extend beyond the dog’s owner depending on the circumstances.
This may include:
- Dog walkers, sitters, or trainers who failed to properly supervise the dog
- Landlords who knew a dangerous dog was kept on the property and failed to act
- Parents or guardians when the dog’s owner is a minor
Determining liability depends on who had control over the dog at the time of the bite.
When an Owner May Not Be Liable Under Dog Bite Laws
Not every dog bite leads to legal responsibility. New York dog bite laws recognize situations where a bite may be justified, including:
- The dog was protecting against a trespasser
- The dog was a police or military dog performing official duties
- The dog reacted to mistreatment
- The dog was provoked through abuse or assault
Each situation is evaluated individually.
Personal Injury Claims and New York Dog Bite Laws
In addition to dangerous dog proceedings, an injured person may pursue a personal injury claim. This process focuses on compensating the victim rather than punishing the dog.
Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims
In most cases, New York dog bite laws require personal injury claims to be filed within three years of the bite. Shorter deadlines may apply if a municipality is involved.
Missing the deadline can prevent recovery.
Burden of Proof in Dog Bite Cases
The injured person has the burden of proof. Helpful evidence may include:
- Police or animal control reports
- Photos or videos of injuries and the scene
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Prior complaints or incidents involving the dog
Evidence collected early can strengthen a claim handled by experienced dog bite attorneys.
Why Work With Dog Bite Attorneys or Dog Bite Lawyers
Dog bite cases often involve complex legal standards, insurance issues, and defenses raised by the dog’s owner. Skilled dog bite lawyers can evaluate all available legal options and pursue full compensation.
Dog bite attorneys can also manage negotiations with insurance companies and take cases to court when necessary.
Contact the New York Dog Bite Lawyers at Cellino Law
Recovering from a dog bite can be overwhelming. You do not have to manage the legal process alone.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an unprovoked dog bite, the New York dog bite lawyers at Cellino Law can help you understand your rights under New York law. We have decades of experience representing dog attack victims across New York.
To schedule a free consultation, contact Cellino Law at 888-888-8888.
Content checked by the personal injury attorney Ross Cellino. As a family man and a trial attorney, I pride myself on winning cases and serving the community. With over 35 years of experience, I understand the function of a jury, how juries arrive at conclusions, and the role that the jury plays in administering justice. I know how to win cases. You can find us in Manhattan, Buffalo, Melville, Rochester, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and other locations throughout New York.