Rhode Island Dog Bite Injury Basics

Rhode Island imposes strict liability upon dog owners. Any time a dog is outside of its enclosure, bites or injures a person, the dog’s owner is liable for any injuries that occur. The only exception to this rule is if the victim was a trespasser or if the victim was teasing, tormenting or provoking the dog prior to the attack.
The Rhode Island law protects people and other kinds of animals. The law allows for recovery when a dog bites a human, another dog, horses, cows, sheep, pigs or fowl. In addition, if a dog has already bitten a person, then the dog owner is liable for double damages if the same dog attacks again.

There are parties other than the dog owner who may be liable for injuries the dog inflicted. Animal keepers, who are responsible for the care and custody of the animal, a kennel or animal sitter are examples of dog keepers that can be responsible for the dog. A property owner may also be liable if the property owner allowed the dog onto their property. Lastly, if the dog owner is a renter, the landlord may be liable for the injuries if they knew one of their tenants owned a dangerous animal.