Dog Bites Surge in Summer: How Westchester’s Leash and Prior-Knowledge Rules Affect Liability

Every summer, life in Westchester County moves outdoors. While this can be a terrific time of year to enjoy the weather and the company of loved ones, summer also brings something less welcome: more dog bite injuries. These injuries are especially devastating because they tend to affect children most.

When people and dogs spend more time in the same spaces, the chances of an incident naturally increase. If you or someone in your family has been injured in a dog attack, you probably have questions and unfortunately rules about dogs can vary widely throughout Westchester County, which often leads to disagreement between pet owners and local residents.

At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we work with families who have suffered serious loss after a child or other family member was bitten by a dog. These incidents can lead to a lifetime of trauma, scarring, and serious head injuries and fractures, especially if the victim was a child. Our role is to provide a source of answers and to represent families during this difficult time, seeking recovery so families have the resources they need to pay for the many costs of a serious injury. If you or a loved one have suffered serious injuries because of a dog bite, contact The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel for a free consultation.

Why Dog Bites Rise During the Summer

Summer changes daily routines for both people and animals. Children spend more time outside once school ends and dogs accompany their owners on many of these activities. All of this activity creates more opportunities for interaction between strangers and animals.

Dogs don’t always react well to crowded or unfamiliar environments, and the change in routine during the summer can create anxiety that can lead to bites. Loud noises from summer fireworks and quick movements from children playing can make even a normally calm dog feel threatened. Children may also run up to dogs they don’t know, because they like animals. Even heat and stress can impact an animal’s behavior. When one or more of these factors are present, a dog may respond instinctively by snapping or biting. Animals that feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed may react more aggressively than usual.

The Reality of Dog Bite Injuries

Many people assume dog bites are minor injuries that heal quickly. In reality, these injuries can be serious or even fatal.

A dog’s teeth can puncture the skin deeply and bites create a high risk of infection. Bites can also damage muscles, tendons, and nerves. Victims may require stitches, surgery, or ongoing treatment.

Because of their height, children often experience bites on the face or neck when they’re attacked by a dog. These injuries may leave permanent scars and sometimes require reconstructive procedures. When a larger dog attacks a small child, the child may suffer a skull fracture or blood loss that can be life-threatening.

Beyond the physical injuries, many victims continue to experience fear around dogs, even after injuries have healed.

What Are Westchester’s Leash Laws?

Dog owners in Westchester County must keep their animals under control when they leave their property, though the exact regulations can vary depending on municipality.

Most local ordinances require owners to keep dogs on a leash or under direct supervision in public places such as sidewalks, parks, and streets. These rules exist to prevent dogs from roaming freely.

If a dog bite occurs and the dog was running loose, that fact can become an important part of understanding how the incident happened and can help determine liability. However, these cases are also often more complex than they first appear. For example, the bite may have occurred in a dog park, where dogs are permitted to roam without a leash, or a dog may have escaped a fenced yard, despite the owner’s best efforts.

What Is New York’s Prior Knowledge Rule?

New York courts often focus on whether the owner knew the dog had dangerous tendencies. This concept centers on what lawyers call prior knowledge or vicious propensities. In simple terms, the law asks whether the owner knew (or should have known) that the dog had a tendency to behave aggressively.

Courts will look at previous biting incidents, earlier complaints about the dog’s behavior, situations where the dog lunged or snapped at someone, or warnings from the owner telling people to stay away from the animal.

Sometimes the owner’s own precautions reveal that knowledge. For example, an owner who posts warning signs, installs special fencing, or keeps visitors away from the dog may show awareness that the animal poses a risk.

When Dog Owners May Be Held Responsible

Every dog bite case has its own set of circumstances. When we evaluate these cases, we look closely at what happened before the attack. Did the dog show signs of aggression earlier? Did the owner fail to control or supervise the animal? Did the environment create a dangerous situation for visitors or neighbors? Did the event take place on a public street, in a no-leash area, on the dog owner’s own property, or in another location?

In general, dog owners are held responsible for their animal’s behavior, especially in cases where a dog had shown previous signs of aggression. In any situation where the dog owner was negligent, they can be held liable if their negligence caused an injury.

How Much Is My Case Worth?

At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we know that dog bite attacks not only cause trauma but also real financial suffering. You may face a reduced quality of life, medical bills now and in the future, may need extra support, and may face income loss and loss of earning potential. We seek compensation for all these expenses and any other costs you have incurred or expect to face because of your injury.

We can help you navigate negotiations and insurance. Dog bite claims often involve homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies. We seek a settlement but are willing to take your case to court if that’s the best way to seek compensation for you.

What You Should Do After a Dog Bite

If a dog bites you or someone in your family, take the situation seriously and act quickly. Here’s what to do:

• Seek medical attention right away. Even small puncture wounds can lead to infection if doctors do not treat them properly.
• Try to identify the dog owner and gather basic information about the incident. If possible, take photographs of the injury and the location where the attack occurred.
• Report the incident to local animal control authorities. These reports create an official record and may reveal whether the dog has been involved in previous complaints.
• Contact a personal injury attorney. A lawyer with experience in dog bite cases can investigate whether an animal had a previous history of aggression and can present a strong case at the negotiation table and before the courts. 

FAQs

How We Help After a Serious Dog Bite

When we investigate these incidents, we review medical records, examine the dog’s history, speak with witnesses, and analyze the circumstances surrounding the attack. Our law firm has a history of results and of client-focused care. If a dog has injured you or someone in your family, contact our law firm for a free consultation.