🚨 Steps to Take If a Person Is Bitten
- Seek Medical Attention: Clean the wound, apply a clean bandage, and seek medical care, especially for deep or facial wounds. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection. Verywell Health
- Report the Bite: Immediately report the incident to local animal control. In Maricopa County, contact Animal Care and Control at (602) 506-PETS (7387) or file an online report. Findlaw+1Enjuris+1
- Document the Incident: Gather information about the dog, its owner, and any witnesses. Take photos of injuries and the location.
- Consult an Attorney: Given the strict liability laws, consulting a personal injury attorney can help navigate potential claims.The Advocates
🐶 Steps to Take If a Dog Is Bitten by Another Dog
- Separate the Dogs Safely: Avoid physical intervention that could result in injury to yourself. Use objects or commands to separate them.
- Seek Veterinary Care: Even minor wounds can become infected. Prompt veterinary attention is crucial. The Spruce Pets
- Exchange Information: Obtain contact and vaccination information from the other dog’s owner.
- Report the Incident: Report the bite to local animal control authorities.
- Monitor Your Dog: Watch for signs of infection or behavioral changes, and follow up with your veterinarian as needed.
⚖️ Legal Considerations for Dog-on-Dog Bites
In Arizona, if a dog attacks another dog in a public place or when the victim dog is lawfully on private property, the attacking dog’s owner is liable for damages. Depending on the severity, the owner may face a Class 1 misdemeanor, with fines up to $2,500. The AdvocatesSargon Law Group
📞 Important Contacts
- Maricopa County Animal Care and Control: (602) 506-PETS (7387)
- City of Phoenix Animal Control: [Insert Contact Information]
- City of Mesa Animal Control: (480) 644-2268
- City of Chandler Animal Control: [Insert Contact Information]Findlaw+1Enjuris+1Enjuris
In Arizona, dog bite laws are governed by strict liability statutes, meaning dog owners are held responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of prior behavior or the owner’s knowledge of any viciousness. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the laws and recommended actions if a person or dog is bitten in Phoenix or surrounding areas.Friedl Richardson+1Arizona Legislature+1
🐾 Arizona Dog Bite Laws
Strict Liability (A.R.S. § 11-1025)
Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 11-1025, a dog owner is liable for damages if their dog bites a person who is in a public place or lawfully on private property, regardless of the dog’s previous behavior or the owner’s knowledge of its viciousness. Nolo+3Friedl Richardson+3Arizona Legislature+3
Exceptions
- Trespassing: If the victim was unlawfully on private property, the owner may not be liable.
- Provocation: If the dog was provoked, the owner might not be held responsible.
Statute of Limitations
- Strict Liability Claims: Must be filed within one year of the incident.
- Negligence Claims: Must be filed within two years.
🏙️ Local Ordinances in Phoenix and Surrounding Cities
*Check with local municipalities for specific laws and regulations in your specific area. The following are for reference only.
Common Leash Laws
- Dogs must be leashed in public areas, with leashes not exceeding six feet.
Phoenix
- Quarantine: Dogs that bite must be quarantined for 10 days. Unvaccinated dogs are confined at a pound or veterinary hospital; vaccinated dogs may be quarantined at home upon request.
- Vicious Dogs: If declared vicious, dogs may be required to be fenced, display warning signs, and owners must obtain liability insurance. In severe cases, euthanasia may be mandated. Hutzler LawFindlaw+1Enjuris+1Rideout Law Group
Mesa
- Vicious Dogs: Must be leashed and muzzled in public, kept indoors, and display warning signs. Owners must carry $100,000 in liability insurance. Rideout Law Group
Chandler
- Vicious Dogs: May be ordered to wear permanent ID, be confined, and owners must obtain liability insurance. Violations can result in fines up to $750 and four months in jail. Rideout Law Group