A Passionate Advocate for Minnesota Dog Owners Who Face Lawsuits

If your dog bit or caused injury to another dog or child, you know there will be consequences. For the dog, there may be impoundment, quarantine, a dangerous dog designation, or even euthanasia. You may face a criminal charge, a variety of fines and out-of-pocket costs, and even a civil lawsuit.

It is wise to immediately call the Law Office of Barbara J. Gislason in these situations. Based upon her many years of experience as an animal lawyer, Barbara J. Gislason can advise you about your rights, devise an action plan, and help you present your best face in a difficult situation. She can also develop a defense and introduce you to behavioral experts and trainers who can become part of your team. Barbara serves clients statewide, including Anoka County, Hennepin County, and Ramsey County.

What Makes Dogs Bite?

There are a variety of reasons a dog might attack or bite, including:

• Provocation
• Fear
• Aggression
• Physical pain
• Protecting their owner
• Misreading another dog’s signals

Behaviors of an aggressive dog may include growling, snarling, showing teeth, lunging, and biting. In contrast, a fearful dog might avoid eye contact, stay low to the ground, hold their ears flat and back, tremble, or hold their tail low and between their legs. A fearful dog may also growl or bare their teeth before biting.

What to Do After Your Dog Bites or is Bitten

As early as possible, it is important for you to work with Barbara to obtain the names and contact information of witnesses. You will work together to gather the appropriate records, too. She will help you understand the difference between a call to animal control or the police. If you want to initiate a lawsuit, she will explain which evidence is necessary. Barbara will help you find out if the attacking dog was already subject to a dangerous dog designation or if the dog’s owner or handler has a criminal history. She will also help you develop an action plan to achieve the just result you seek.

What is a Dangerous Dog Declaration?

For more than a century, dogs in Minnesota were entitled to what the law called “one free bite.” However, as of 2023, if a dog gets in trouble even once, the dog and the dog’s owner may find themselves facing a dangerous dog declaration under Minnesota state law. The court may declare a dog dangerous if:

• The dog inflicted serious bodily harm without provocation.
• The dog killed an animal without provocation while off the dog owner’s property.
• The court previously deemed the dog potentially dangerous, and the animal goes on to bite another animal or human.

In addition to a dangerous dog proceeding, you may be subject to a separate criminal charge or civil action.

Navigating the Legal Hazards of Dog Parks

With all the excitement and activity in a dog park, combined with inattentive owners, bad behaviors can escalate quickly. A dog can be accidentally or deliberately injured by another. During a pile-on situation in a dog park, it is difficult to be objective about dog signaling, who started the fight, and who bit first.

While avoiding this situation is the best advice, if your dog gets bitten or injures another dog or person, legal consequences can add up fast. This is perhaps more so for dogs already perceived by some as a vicious breed. For example, a Pit Bull may be innocent but be blamed for the incident because of biases against the dog breed that impact others’ perception.

Before going to a dog park, learn as much as you can about the park and whether it is known to be safe or one where dogs are often hurt. If you have a particularly vulnerable dog, it may be best to avoid dog parks altogether. While in a dog park, do your best to keep your dog in sight and train your dog to be responsive to your come call so if a dangerous situation develops, you can keep your dog safe. If your companion animal ends up hurt or in trouble, call the Law Office of Barbara J. Gislason for legal advice at your earliest opportunity.

Should I Really Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?

If your pet has been subject to a dog bite or you are facing a lawsuit, Barbara can help you understand the intricacies of the legal system. She can help you appropriately interact with animal control and other law enforcement officers, as well as help you devise a plan to increase the odds of a positive outcome. She can help you ascertain your risks and develop a sound strategy to reduce them. Barbara works closely with qualified canine trainers, veterinarians, dog behaviorists, and other experts who can testify for your side. As your Animal Law attorney, she will accompany you to legal proceedings and advocate for you, or, if applicable, advise you regarding making insurance and other claims.

Talk To a Pioneer in Animal Law Issues

To benefit from one of the country’s most accomplished Animal Law attorneys, call the Law Office of Barbara J. Gislason in Anoka County toll-free at 763-220-2983 or email Barbara to arrange a consultation.