Columbus, GA asked in Animal / Dog Law for Alabama

Q: I am buying a tibetan mastiff with an invisible fence on my 30 acre property if it bites a trespassing dog am I liable

My neighbors dogs routinely trespass and while I'm getting a docile breed I'm worried something may happen because dogs can be territorial and want to know if I need to build a real fence to protect myself from liability

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1 Lawyer Answer
Hunter Garnett
Hunter Garnett
Answered
  • Huntsville, AL
  • Licensed in Alabama

A: Generally, no. A dog owner is not liable if the dog attacks another dog that comes on the dog owner's property without the property owner/dog owner's permission.

If you were sued for damages and lost the case, the damages would be limited to the vet bills for the injured dog or the replacement value of the injured dog. Additionally, your homeowner's insurance will likely defend and indemnify you if you are sued for damages caused by your dog.

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