South Florida Personal Injury Blog

Palm Beach County commissioners voted to crack down on dangerous dogs in the area. The county labels certain dogs as “dangerous dogs,” according to Palm Beach personal injury attorney Andrew Alitowski. Dangerous dogs are not permitted to go to area dog parks or any other parks, businesses, or beaches. Previously, a dog had to attack one person or kill or injure two or more domestic animals to earn the unfortunate label, says Palm Beach accident lawyer Alitowski. Now, an attack on just one domestic animal, like a cat or another dog, can allow animal control authorities to designate a dog with the unwanted label. The dog must be muzzled and its owner must post signs to warn people in the area of the dog’s propensity to injure.

A dog can be euthanized after attacking a human, which conforms to the old rule. Now, however, county officials may take this step after it attacks two or more domestic animals. Under the old rules in Palm Beach County, a dog could not be euthanized for attacking only other animals. County commissioners hope to prevent attacks on people by instituting the new, tougher rules.

Broward accident attorney Alitowsk says that the state of Florida has tough laws regarding the civil liability for the actions of their pets. Dangerous dogs, of course, cause the most frequent and severe injuries in the form of bites. Under state law, a dog owner is liable for the injuries her dog inflicts on another person in almost every instance. If the owner warns people of the presence of a dangerous animal on her property by posting a sign, however, she may not be liable. This loophole does not hold true, however, if the injured person was a very young child who could not appreciate the significance of the sign.

Palm Beach and Broward Counties have strict rules regarding dangerous dogs and other pets, although they have not gone as far as Miami-Dade County. Miami-Dade, in response to the high number of injuries inflicted by pit bulls and pit bull mix dogs, has actually banned ownership of the breed, says Fort Lauderdale dog bite lawyer Alitowski. It is also against the law to have or keep “American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, or any other dog that substantially conforms to any of these breeds’ characteristics.” The animal control authorities do not make exceptions to these rules and will confiscate dogs, fine their owners or keepers, or take other steps to prevent the dogs’ presence in the county.