People have a soft spot for four-legged, furry friends. There’s just something about a dog; maybe it’s because they greet you like you’re their long-lost friend, even if it’s the first time you meet.
Nobody wants to be the reason that someone’s dog gets put down. Therefore, when a person gets bitten, they’re reluctant to file a report. But, for everyone’s safety, sometimes the hard thing to do is the right thing.
The “one-bite” rule
Idaho, like most states, has a “one-bite” rule; however, there are several nuances to the law. Not every dog that bites is automatically euthanized. Instead, the decision is based on the law and the specific circumstances of the incident.
One factor is how the dog is classified:
- A dangerous dog is one that attacks, bites or injures a person without being provoked. The classification also applies if the dog kills or injures a domestic animal while off its owner’s property.
- Being deemed a vicious dog is a more severe classification and applies to dogs that have killed or caused substantial bodily harm to a person. A dog classified as “dangerous” that continues to be aggressive may be reclassified as vicious.
When a dog bite is reported, animal control or law enforcement will gather the necessary information, such as the victim’s injuries and statements from the owner and any witnesses. They will also verify the dog’s vaccination status, especially for rabies. Either the owner, a shelter or a vet’s clinic will need to keep the dog quarantined for 10 days to monitor for signs of rabies.
A hearing may be held to determine the dog’s fate. Both the owner and the victim have the right to present evidence. The judge, or other official hearing the case, will consider several factors, such as:
- The severity of the injury
- The dog’s history
- If the victim provoked the dog
- Did the incident happen on the owner’s property, or was the dog running at large?
- Did the owner have the dog properly leased or contained?
Based on the evidence, the dog may be returned to the owner with no conditions, classified as dangerous with confinement rules or declared vicious and ordered to be euthanized.
Dog owners have a responsibility to properly train and socialize their dogs, ensuring they are always under control. That is the most effective way to protect the dog and the community. By reporting a dog bite, you may be saving other people from a worse fate, such as mauling, severe injury or death. If a dog severely injured you, you may also be able to receive compensation for medical expenses and your pain and suffering.