When a dog bites someone, the consequences can vary greatly depending on the circumstances. In most cases, the dog will not be punished for biting, but the owner may face legal repercussions. The exact rules for how dog bites are handled vary by city, county, or state, and it's important to fully understand the laws where you live. It is even more important to never ignore the signs of aggression and take all the measures you can to prevent your dog from biting.
In general, if your dog bites someone, they will not be euthanized. However, you can expect to be sued by the person who was injured. You may also have to deal with legal ramifications. You could have to pay fines and you could even face jail time.
Usually, your dog must attack without being provoked in order for you to be held responsible. However, your dog must also have been properly contained when he attacked.In some states, a dog (and its owner) receive a “free bite”, which exempts the owner from liability if the dog has never bitten anyone before. It is almost certain that an owner will realize that a dog is dangerous if neighbors or others complain that the animal has threatened or bitten someone.The one-bite rule can make a dog owner strictly responsible for a dog bite if he should have known the dangerous tendencies of his pet. In Pennsylvania, for example, courts have held that even when owners knew their dogs were ruthless, they were not responsible for injuries caused by animals unless they were also negligent (Deardorff v.).
Michigan's dog bite law, MCL 287,351, is very specific about which party is liable in a dog bite case.To be euthanized, the dog must have bitten people on two separate occasions or caused substantial physical injury after being trained to fight, attack or kill. Even so, someone's dog will never be euthanized automatically. It is possible that a dog can be punished for biting someone, but it won't happen in most cases. When a dog is dejected, it is usually because there is a history of aggression, including the fact that the dog has bitten in the past.It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of the most important dog bite statistics, so you can better understand the circumstances surrounding most dog bites.
In short, the choice is not yours. There is no law that allows a victim to request or require the euthanasia of a dog after an attack. Dog euthanasia is the decision of the dog's guardian, health department, or police department in your city or county.
