Question 1

Is Connecticut a strict liability state for dog bites?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. §22-357, both the owner and the keeper of a dog are strictly liable for injuries or property damage the dog causes, with no need to prove prior knowledge of viciousness.

Question 2

Does Connecticut's statute cover more than bites?

Accepted Answer

Yes - unlike many states' bite-specific statutes, §22-357 covers bites, other bodily injuries, and property damage caused by a dog. A dog that knocks someone down without biting can still trigger strict liability in Connecticut.

Question 3

What defenses exist to Connecticut's strict liability statute?

Accepted Answer

Trespassing (or committing another tort) and provocation (teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog) are the two statutory exceptions. Connecticut courts have construed these exceptions narrowly in favor of victims - see Doerfler v. Redding, where petting a dog after a warning did not count as provocation.

Question 4

Are children treated differently under Connecticut's statute?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Connecticut law presumes a child under age 7 did not trespass or provoke the dog, unless the defendant proves otherwise - shifting the burden of proof in young children's favor.

Question 5

Does Connecticut's strict liability reach a 'keeper' who isn't the owner?

Accepted Answer

Yes - the statute applies to both the owner and the keeper of the dog, meaning someone with care and custody of the dog (even temporarily) can also be strictly liable, not just the legal owner.

Connecticut Dog Bite Liability

What is your claim worth?

Broader than a typical "dog bite" statute

Connecticut Dog Bite Liability

What is your claim worth?

Broader than a typical "dog bite" statute

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