Dogs have long held the title of "man’s best friend." But what happens when this trusted bond turns dangerous?
Each year, thousands of New Yorkers find themselves on the receiving end of incidents involving dangerous or uncontrolled dogs. These events range from sudden bites on the street to devastating, fatal attacks at home. One such tragedy occurred in 2024, when James Provost lost his life after being mauled by multiple dogs in a home on Central Avenue.
Sadly, Provost’s story is not an outlier. While not every dog bite ends in death, they remain shockingly common. Each year, about 3,500 dog bites are reported in NYC, with children aged 5 to 12 being the most frequent victims. Nationwide, New York ranks among the top 10 states where postal workers encounter the highest number of canine attacks.
What do these alarming statistics tell us? New York is grappling with a persistent dog bite threat that poses a significant risk to residents and visitors.
Gripped Tight by a Growing Problem
Dog attacks are not a recent occurrence, but the numbers reveal a concerning trend. Over the past decade, fatal dog attacks have more than doubled in frequency. Prior to the pandemic, the United States saw an average of 40 fatal dog attacks annually. After COVID-19 swept across the nation, that number skyrocketed to nearly 100 per year.
The increase in dog ownership during the pandemic likely plays a significant role in the spike. Around 23 million American households acquired a new pet during the pandemic lockdowns. The rapid surge created challenges, particularly for first-time dog owners unfamiliar with the demands of training, socialization, and responsible ownership.
Compounding these issues is the trend of owning dogs that may be prone to aggression. Lieutenant Willie Flack of the Albany Police Department Special Operations Unit explains: “This has become ingrained to have these dogs. Whether it’s for status, whether it’s for protection, whatever it be, and whoever has the biggest, baddest dog is the biggest baddest dude.”
An Overview of Dog Safety Measures in New York
New York has implemented various laws and guidelines to promote safer interactions between dogs and the public. Below are some key measures every dog owner should be aware of:
Dog Licensing Requirements
All dogs in New York are required to have a proper license, which must be displayed on their collars while in public. To obtain a license, owners must prove their pets are vaccinated against rabies.
Leash Laws for Public Safety
Leash laws are an integral part of ensuring public safety. Specific requirements vary by locality. For instance, Albany requires dogs in public to be restrained with an adequate collar and leash by an owner aged 12 years or older, while New York City has a mandate limiting leash length to just 6 feet. Following these regulations is essential for safeguarding both human and canine companions.
Education and Resources for Dog Owners
Statewide, resources are available to educate dog owners on responsible pet ownership. Government agencies and local animal organizations promote spaying/neutering, early training, and socialization to reduce the risk of aggressive behavior. Public outreach campaigns emphasize the importance of complying with laws while encouraging people to report bites or dangerous animal behavior.
The Persistent Danger of Dog Bites
Despite safety initiatives, the high number of preventable attacks raises concerns about the effectiveness of available resources and education. Are they sufficient, or are they simply not being utilized effectively?
While licensing plays a vital role in ensuring accountability and enabling legal action when necessary, its effectiveness is undermined by low compliance. Nearly 80 percent of New York City dogs remain unlicensed. Combined with the rise of backyard breeders and pets obtained through informal means, enforcing safety regulations becomes an uphill battle.
Furthermore, even licensed dogs can pose significant threats under negligent ownership. The dogs that attacked Provost had already been seized from the home during a drug bust. However, they were returned registered and licensed — a decision that would have fatal consequences.
Can You Hold Owners Liable for a Dog Bite?
Under New York law, dog bite cases hinge on determining liability, which can be complicated. The state employs a hybrid approach, combining the "One Bite Rule" with stricter liability statutes to ensure fairness while creating avenues for accountability.
The "One Bite Rule" essentially means that dog owners are not automatically held liable for the first bite their dog inflicts unless the owner knew of the dog's dangerous tendencies. Once the dog has exhibited dangerous behavior — whether by biting someone or acting aggressively — the owner becomes liable for any subsequent attacks.
Additionally, strict liability rules in New York place clear responsibility on dog owners for covering medical costs if their dog injures another person. Beyond that, victims may pursue further damages, such as compensation for emotional distress, lost wages, or permanent disfigurement. This depends on proving that the owner was negligent or aware of their dog’s temperament.
There are also rules about deeming a dog "dangerous." If a dog attacks without justification or poses clear risks, it may be classified as dangerous under New York law.
Challenges Faced by Dog Bite Victims in New York
Dog bite victims in New York often face a series of challenges that can complicate their recovery and pursuit of justice.
Proving Liability
Establishing liability is one of the most significant challenges victims encounter. New York's hybrid liability laws require victims to demonstrate either that the dog exhibited dangerous tendencies in the past or that the owner was negligent in controlling their pet. This process involves gathering evidence, such as the dog’s behavior history, medical records of previous attacks, and witness testimonies. For many victims, this investigation can feel overwhelming, particularly when they are already dealing with physical and emotional trauma.
Financial Concerns
The financial burden of a dog bite incident can escalate quickly. Medical expenses for treatments like stitches, surgeries, or ongoing therapy may strain a victim’s resources. Adding the perceived cost of legal representation can make victims hesitant to seek justice. To address this, our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients only pay if their case is successful.
Logistical Challenges
Physical injuries can make traveling to meet with attorneys or attend legal proceedings difficult. Victims dealing with severe injuries or limited mobility may feel frustrated or hesitant to pursue their claims. To ease this burden, we offer flexible options, including free consultations by phone or in person. We tailor our approach to accommodate the client’s schedule, ensuring they receive the support they deserve without additional strain.
Holding negligent dog owners accountable is more than just about getting compensation — it's about ensuring responsibility and protecting others from potential harm. When dog owners fail to properly train or restrain their pets, it can lead to serious injuries or even life-altering consequences for victims and their families. Taking legal action is not only a step toward justice but also a way to promote accountability and foster a safer New York.
Start The Fight for Fair Compensation & Accountability
Hacker Murphy, LLP is dedicated to securing justice for dog bite victims, including minor victims and their parents. Over the years, we’ve achieved significant settlements, with awards reaching as high as $500,000. These outcomes help provide our clients with the resources they need to recover, rebuild, and move forward.
Injured by a dog bite? You have the right to justice. Call (518) 284-3183 or contact us online now to schedule your free consultation!