Dog Bite and Leash Laws: What You Need to Know

Dogs bring joy and companionship to millions of families — but when a dog becomes aggressive, the results can be devastating. Dog bites often cause painful injuries, infections, or lasting emotional trauma. Both Connecticut and Massachusetts have laws in place to protect the public and hold negligent owners accountable when their dogs cause harm.

At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, our experienced attorneys represent victims of dog bites and animal attacks across Connecticut and Massachusetts. We help clients recover compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and lost wages.

Key Takeaways

• Both Connecticut and Massachusetts enforce strict liability laws — meaning dog owners are responsible if their pet bites or injures someone.

• Connecticut requires a 14-day quarantine for dogs involved in bites; local authorities may also order the animal to be restrained or euthanized.

• Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 140 §155) similarly holds owners liable unless the victim was trespassing, provoking the dog, or committing another wrongful act.

• Both states allow animal control officers to impound roaming or dangerous dogs.

• Victims of dog bites can pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and property damage.

Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Connecticut

Connecticut’s Strict Liability Rule

Under Connecticut General Statutes §22-357, dog owners or keepers are strictly liable if their dog injures a person or damages property. This applies even if the dog has never bitten anyone before or shown signs of aggression.

The only exceptions are if:

• The injured person was trespassing or committing a crime at the time of the attack, or

• The injured person was teasing, tormenting, or abusing the dog.

Children under seven years old are automatically presumed not to have provoked the dog.

Mandatory Quarantine After a Dog Bite

When a dog bites someone in Connecticut, it must undergo a 14-day quarantine for rabies observation. During this time, the Department of Agriculture or an animal control officer monitors the dog’s condition.

In severe cases, officials may order the dog to be restrained, relocated, or euthanized. Owners are responsible for all expenses and damages.

If the victim kills the dog in self-defense during an attack, they are immune from criminal and civil liability.

Massachusetts Dog Bite Laws

Strict Liability Under Massachusetts Law

Massachusetts follows a nearly identical strict liability system under Mass. Gen. Laws c. 140 §155. Dog owners are automatically responsible for injuries or damages caused by their dog — even if they had no prior reason to believe the dog was dangerous.

Exceptions apply if the injured person was:

• Trespassing,

• Teasing or abusing the dog, or

• Committing another wrongful act.

Like Connecticut, children under seven are presumed innocent of provoking the animal.

Reporting Requirements and Local Control

Dog bites in Massachusetts must be reported to the local animal control officer. Municipalities may impose leash laws or require dangerous dog hearings to determine if restrictions or euthanasia are warranted.

Failure to control a dangerous dog can result in fines or criminal penalties for the owner.

Leash and Roaming Laws

Connecticut Leash Laws

Connecticut state law does not require dogs to be leashed at all times. However, owners cannot allow their dogs to roam freely on another person’s property, public parks, or highways.

Violations may result in fines of up to $92.

If a dangerous dog is allowed to roam and injures someone, the owner may face:

• Fines up to $1,000,

• Six months in jail, or both — especially if previously convicted of a similar violation.

Animal control officers are authorized to impound roaming, untagged, or neglected dogs found on public property.

Massachusetts Leash Laws

Massachusetts leash laws are established by local ordinance, and many towns require dogs to be leashed or under voice control in public spaces.

Allowing a dog to roam at large can lead to:

• Impoundment,

• Fines (typically ranging from $25 to $300), or

• Liability if the dog injures a person or another animal.

Owners of dogs deemed dangerous or vicious can face strict penalties, including mandatory confinement orders or destruction of the animal under state law.

What To Do After a Dog Bite

If you or a loved one is bitten by a dog in Connecticut or Massachusetts:

1. Seek immediate medical attention.
   Even minor bites can become infected or cause serious complications.

2. Report the attack to local police or animal control.
   This creates an official record and ensures the dog’s vaccination history is verified.

3. Document the scene.
   Take photos of your injuries, the dog, and where the attack occurred.

4. Get witness information.
   Independent witnesses strengthen your claim.

5. Contact a dog bite attorney.
   A lawyer can investigate ownership, gather medical documentation, and pursue compensation from the at-fault party’s insurer.

Local Animal Control Contacts

• Connecticut Department of Agriculture – Animal Control Division: (860) 713-2506

• Massachusetts Animal Rescue League / MSPCA Animal Control: (617) 522-7400

• Local Police Departments in your city or town can also assist with bite reports or lost pets.

How Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers Can Help

At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we represent victims of dog bites and animal attacks throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts. Our dog bite attorneys in Stamford, CT, and Clarksburg, MA, will:

• Investigate the attack and identify the responsible parties

• Gather evidence, including medical records and witness statements

• Work with insurance companies to pursue maximum compensation

• File a lawsuit if necessary to hold negligent owners accountable

We operate on a contingency fee basis — you pay no legal fees unless we win your case.

📞 Call 800-PERKINS or complete our Free Case Evaluation Form to schedule your consultation today.