Dog Bite Incidents in NYC
According to a recent study, the rate of injuries caused by dog bites increased from 2005 to 2011 and significantly declined both nationwide and in New York State since then.[1] In 2014—the most recent year for which the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (“DOHMH”) published these statistics—there were nearly 3,200 dog bites reported among New York City residents.[2]
However, these figures might be more significant than the data represents. New York law requires healthcare workers and victims of dog bites to report dog bites to their local health authorities in the state’s efforts to prevent diseases such as rabies.[3] Studies indicate that as few as 17% of all dog bites are ever officially reported.[4] Thus, the problem is likely greater than demonstrated by traditional recorded measures.
After discussing the law pertaining to dog bites, this article will discuss the prevalence of dog bites in New York City and how they can be prevented. Unfortunately, not every dog bite will be prevented. If you are injured by another person’s dog, then you may be entitled to compensation for that bite.
Our dog bite attorneys at Dansker & Aspromonte are here to consult with you on your legal options at no cost to you. Call us today at (516) 774-3988 to schedule your free consultation. You can also contact us through our online portal, which is linked here.
NYC Dog Bite Laws and Liability
New York City Laws & Regulations
New York has designed laws and regulations that impose reasonable obligations on people who own dogs in order to promote responsible pet ownership and keep New Yorkers safe. First, dog owners are required to get a license for each dog they own, and that dog must wear its license tag when in public.[5] NYC health codes state that every dog is required to be kept on a leash or chain no longer than six feet in length when taken into a public space or any place that (1) does not have a fence and (2) is next to a public space.[6] And, under New York state law, every dog must be vaccinated for rabies, and the rabies vaccines must be updated as necessary.[7]
New York’s Approach to Dog Bite Liability
New York has traditionally applied the “one-bite rule” to dog bite cases. The “one-bite rule” says that a dog owner who (a) knew his or her dog had vicious propensities or (b) should have known that the dog had vicious propensities is legally liable for the harm the animal causes as a result of those propensities.[8]
New York’s Statute of Limitations in Dog Bite Cases
In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the injury-causing incident.[14] In a dog bite case, that means the injured person has three years from the date that the dog bit him or her to file a lawsuit. Failing to file the lawsuit within that three-year period means the person cannot file it at all unless an exception to the general rule applies.
However, there is an important exception in dog bite cases: the statute of limitations does not run on minors.[15] More specifically, the statute of limitations will not begin running on a child if the child was attacked by a dog while under the age of 18. Once they turn 18 years old, they will have until they are 21 to file their personal injury lawsuit alleging that the dog attacked them.
Prevention Strategies for NYC Public Spaces
Dog bites are common injuries, but proactive considerations and strategic thinking can help prevent them.
Navigate Crowded Parks & Sidewalks Safely
As a general rule, one should always stay vigilant while in public spaces, but that vigilance can be specifically applied to interactions with dogs. Here are a few things you and your loved ones can do to safely navigate crowded parks and city sidewalks:
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Always ask an owner for permission before petting a dog.
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When petting the dog, make sure to extend your hand gently to allow the dog to smell you before making contact.
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Give leashed dogs enough space so that they do not feel threatened.
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Never reach out to pet a dog you do not know.
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Move slowly and calmly because sudden movements can startle a dog.
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When petting a dog, be gentle.
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Pay attention to your surroundings to spot off-leash dogs in city parks.
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Avoid stray dogs.
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Place a barrier between yourself and the dog if you feel threatened.
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If you feel threatened by a dog, do not run; instead, back away at a slow, steady pace without turning your back.
Warning Signs in Dogs & Canine Behavior
One of the best ways to prevent dog bites is to understand canine behavior. Most dogs will display some type of body language or behavior before biting, including: growling, baring teeth, raised hackles, intense staring, or stiffening their body posture.
Context is everything when interacting with a dog. Be cognizant never to approach a dog that is confined, tethered, or guarding an object. Avoid interrupting a dog—particularly one you do not know—when it is eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies. Finally, intervening in a dog fight is dangerous and will almost certainly lead to significant bites.
Keeping Children Safe Around Dogs
Children are the most common victims of dog bites in New York.[16] The last recorded statistics on the issue show that the dog bite rate was 1.5 times higher among children under 17 than it was among adults, and children between 5 and 12 had the highest rate of dog bites.[17]
The best way to keep children safe around dogs is to teach them how to interact with dogs and supervise all of their interactions. Children should be taught (1) to ask permission before petting a dog, (2) to approach the dog calmly, and (3) to pet the dog very gently without hugging or kissing it. Children should also be taught to back away from the dog slowly if they see any of the following signals: growling, bared teeth, stiff body posture, a tucked tail, pinned ears, or the dog avoiding eye contact.
Finally, if you choose to own a dog, make sure to pick one that is appropriate for your family and home. Some breeds are more gentle and tolerant of children than others, and you should do your research before bringing one into your household. Make sure to train and socialize that dog once you get it.
Dog Bites: A Summer Sickness
A recent study reconfirmed a pattern showing that the number of dog bites tends to peak during the summer and taper off as winter sets in.[18] The frequency of dog bites tends to increase during the spring and summer for several reasons:
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People spend more time outside in the summer, and there tend to be more dogs outside.
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People gather for festivals, barbecues, and other outdoor events, which can cause stress or anxiety for dogs.
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Children, the population most vulnerable to dog bites, are exposed to more dogs because they are not in school.
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Dogs can become more agitated and stressed in hot weather, making them more prone to aggressive behavior.
Contact Animal Control After a Dog Bite (and What They Will Do)
As stated above, the law requires that healthcare providers and certain other individuals contact animal control after a dog bite. When you contact animal control, you should provide the owner’s name (if you know it), the dog’s breed, how the attack happened, and any medical documentation you may have.
After you report it, the agency will investigate the incident to decide if the animal needs to undergo a mandatory rabies observation. The agency’s investigation may also reveal that the dog has a history of aggression or unprovoked biting, which could lead to the dog being classified as dangerous. The owner may also face consequences such as a fine, mandatory behavioral training for the dog, or—in the worst cases—humane euthanasia.
Special Considerations for Dog Owners
What to Do If Your Dog Bites Someone
Dog bite cases are difficult for everyone involved: the owners, the victims, and the witnesses. Victims are often severely injured. Dog owners are often distraught, concerned for the victims, and worried about what may happen to their pet. Still, the onus is on the dog’s owner to do the right thing after a bite. After a dog bite, the owner should:
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Restrain the dog to prevent further injuries.
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Check on the victim to ensure they are okay.
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Ensure the victim washes and cleans the wound to reduce the risk of infection.
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Provide contact information, the dog’s vaccination status, and veterinarian contact details to the victim.
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Report the bite to authorities.
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Evaluate the cause of the bite and take steps to prevent future incidents.
Legal Defenses Available to Dog Owners
New York law places much of the onus on the dog’s owner, but that does not mean the owner has no defenses. Common defenses include:
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Provocation: A dog bite claim can fail if the injured person provoked the dog by teasing, hitting, or threatening it.
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Trespassing: Injuries sustained while trespassing often invalidate claims or reduce damages.
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Lack of Knowledge: If the owner neither knew nor reasonably should have known about the dog’s vicious tendencies, this defense can be raised to dispute liability (Collier v. Zambito, 1 N.Y.3d 444 [2004]).
Insurance Protections for Dog Owners
Insurance is not just for the benefit of injured parties: it also protects dog owners if their dog injures someone. Without insurance, owners may be personally responsible for paying the injured person’s medical bills and any damages awarded by a court, as well as their own legal fees. Insurance can help cover these costs. Additionally, insurance may help cover a legal defense if the legal action threatens the dog itself.
Here are a few different types of policies that can protect both the dog and its owner:
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Homeowner’s and renter’s insurance often include personal liability coverage, but they may exclude certain breeds or deny coverage if the dog has a history of aggression.
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Pet liability insurance is specialized coverage that can include medical expenses, legal fees, or damage awards related to dog-related injuries. It is intended for situations in which the dog’s breed may be excluded from standard insurance.
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Workers’ compensation insurance is an unusual source of coverage, but a dog that bites a worker can trigger the employer’s workers’ comp insurance policy.
Conclusion
New York City and New York state each have laws designed to regulate dog ownership and to compensate those who are injured by negligent dog owners. In an ideal world, the proactive steps discussed above will protect people from dog bites, but this guide is intended to give dog bite victims a brief overview of what happens after reporting a dog bite.
Sadly, dog bites will still occur, and both victims and owners must consider their next steps. If you were bitten by a dog, contact our NYC dog bite lawyers at Dansker & Aspromonte. Call us today at (516) 774-3988 to schedule your free consultation. You can also contact us through our online portal, which is linked here.
References
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Peter S. Tuckel & William Milczarski, “The changing epidemiology of dog bite injuries in the United States, 2005-2018,” Injury Epidemiology (Published Nov. 1, 2020), https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7603431/.
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“Preventing Dog Bite-Related Injuries among New York City Residents,” NY Vital Signs (July 2017), https://www.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/survey/survey-dog-bites.pdf.
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10 NYCRR 2.14.
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Randall T. Loder, “The demographics of dog bites in the United States” (March 20, 2019), https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6431755/.
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NYAGM § 109.
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New York City Health Code § 161.05.
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N.Y. Public Health Law § 2141.
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Hwang v. Pan, Index No. SC-000361-23/NY, 2024 N.Y. Slip Op. 24326 (Dec. 31, 2024).
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CPLR § 214(5).
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CPLR § 208(a).
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“Preventing Dog Bite-Related Injuries among New York City Residents,” NYC Vital Signs (July 2017), https://www.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/survey/survey-dog-bites.pdf.
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Ibid.
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HC, “Unleashing the Seasonality of Dog Bites in NYC,” Medium (Published March 15, 2025), https://medium.com/@crossmodal/unleashing-the-seasonality-of-dog-bites-in-nyc-f498c102d3db.