An Easy Solution to Animal Attack Issues

The attack of Jarritt Sybert in Willards last week has ignited a new mini-controversy in Wicomico County over the issue of animal control and liability.  There is apparently an issue over whether dogs (in particular) can be automatically seized and destroyed after inflicting a vicious attack.  A number of solutions have been proposed, but I don't think any adequately address the issues AND provide an effective deterrent to dog owners to keep their animals secured.

I figured I would throw my 2 cents in.

The ultimate issue here is irresponsible pet owners that do not keep their pets secured.  Certain excuses have been proffered that sometimes the meter readers will "leave the gate ajar" and the pet gets out.  I don't think so.  First, how many meter readers do you know that will actually enter a yard with a dog. Second, no matter what happens, it is a pet owner that is ultimately responsible for their pet's actions.

How can this be you say?

Easy.  Your pet is your property.  And what happens with your property is your responsibility, so long as you make reasonable and proper efforts to maintain control over your property.  For example, if you loan your car to someone you know is drunk, and that person kills a pedestrian, you can be held liable.  If you do not maintain the sidewalk in front of your home, and some trips and breaks a leg, you are liable.  But if your car is stolen -- you have lost control of it -- you are not liable when the drunken thief runs down a pedestrian.  Or, if someone falls on your sidewalk in the middle of a blinding blizzard, you will generally not be held liable.  Why?  Because you cannot reasonably maintain the safety and integrity of your sidewalk during a blinding blizzard.

So it should be with animals.  Accept I think we should notch it up a bit.

If your dog gets lost and attacks a person (or another dog, or farm animals, etc.) you should be held criminally and civilly liable for their actions.  Put an irresponsible dog owner in jail for a night because their dog got loose and bit a child, and you will find a dog owner that takes their responsibility a little more seriously.  As an aside, I actually think we should the same thing with minor children and their parents, but that is another discussion.

Owning a pet is a serious responsibility.  Keeping that pet under control is part of that responsibility.  Pet owners should be held accountable to living up to that responsible.

Both criminally and civilly.