Known Danger Required: How Vermont Handles Dog Bites

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

Vermont is a one-bite state without a bite statute.

No dog bite statute

Summaries state that Vermont does not have a dog bite statute, and the Supreme Court has articulated a variation of the one-bite rule: the owner is liable if the owner knew or should have known of dangerous propensities and failed to take reasonable precautions.

Not a free bite

A Vermont firm explains that the rule does not mean every dog gets one free attack; it depends on the dog's known traits and the owner's negligence, not breed alone.

Strict liability rejected

A summary says the Supreme Court explicitly rejected strict liability in Martin v. Christman (2014); we have not read that decision.

The town procedure

20 V.S.A. 3546 lets a person bitten off the owner's premises who needs medical attention complain to the town. The legislative body must investigate and hold a hearing within seven days, and if the pet bit without provocation it can order the pet disposed of, muzzled, chained or confined.

Who is an owner

The chapter defines an owner as any person who owns a domestic pet or has actual or constructive possession of it, including those who provide feed or shelter.

Deadline

Three years, under 12 V.S.A. 512.

This is general information, not legal advice, and the state comparisons above are illustrative, not an exhaustive survey. Confirm how Vermont's rules apply to your specific case with a licensed Vermont attorney.