As spring moves into summer, mountain residents and visitors spend more time in the outdoors taking advantage of our beautiful weather and scenery. Dog owners should be aware of the potential liability that may arise when your dog is allowed to roam free without any restraint.
Many communities have restrictive covenants in their deeds requiring dogs to be kept in fenced yards or on a leash when off the owner’s property. Towns and counties may have ordinances with similar provisions. If you fail to comply with deed restrictions and/or ordinances and a neighbor or visitor is injured by your dog, you could be held liable for damages.
Some breeds of dogs can cause you to lose your insurance coverage or greatly increase your premiums. Check with your insurance agent to be sure that you have coverage in the unfortunate event that your dog injures someone. If you have an aggressive dog in your neighborhood, contact your local animal control agency and/or your property owners association to address the issue