Q: What is the best verbiage on a sign that will be posted on my property, warning people I have a protective dog?
I heard certain verbiage can hold dog owner liable if the dog bites someone; while other verbiage releases dog owner from liability. Please provide clarity of this issue. Thank you very much.
A: The wording on such a sign would not "release[ you] from liability", but it might be evidence that the injured person had assumed the risk of being injured by your dog. It's difficult to imagine how or why you would post a sign which would "hold [you] liable"; perhaps something false and misleading, like "Notice: there are no dogs here, and any dogs here are harmless". It would be best if you don't have a dog trained to attack, in my opinion you are exposing yourself to criminal charges as well as civil liability. And check with your home insurance company.
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