Liability for dog bites | Ask a legal aid clinic

Questioner

Hello, we have a guard dog walking outside on our own property, with a sign on the fence that says 'beware, I am on guard, enter at your own risk' and there is a bell hanging there! Now a lady came to the gate and rang the bell I went outside but that lady is already inside the gate so our dog rushes towards her and bites her also her pants were torn! Now my question is are we responsible for that?

Lawyer

Dear questioner, Yes, as the owner you are liable if your dog causes damage. It does not matter whether you had a sign on the door or not. I therefore advise you to compensate the damage or to contact your liability insurer. If you are insured for liability, your insurer will compensate the damage. Success!