Protecting Our Property

[Blackbird]

Wasn't someone saying that 'Beware of Dog' signs are bad because if your dog does attack, and you get sued, having a sign means you 'knew' they were dangerous and sets you up for further lawsuit/fine/etc.? I think I was reading about that on BYC - but I've also heard the complete opposite.

Anyone know?

 

[Beekissed]

I read that years ago in an article...it's basically admitting foreknowledge that your animal was dangerous and can put you in the wrong, legally.

If your dog attacks someone if you don't have a sign, it is called plausible deniability!

 

[aggieterpkatie]

I'd also never own a dog I knew was aggressive, unless that dog happened to be a LGD and was just wary of strangers. Our dogs would not hurt someone, but they bark loudly! And actually, my Scooter might actually *try* to hurt someone if I was in danger, because he's pretty protective of me, but he's now 14 and a half.

 

[k0xxx]

Wasn't someone saying that 'Beware of Dog' signs are bad because if your dog does attack, and you get sued, having a sign means you 'knew' they were dangerous and sets you up for further lawsuit/fine/etc.? I think I was reading about that on BYC - but I've also heard the complete opposite.

Anyone know?

While I'm not a lawyer, and I don't play one on TV, but generally having a "Beware of Dog" type sign tells the world that you know that you have a dangerous animal and that you took no precautions to keep visitors safe.

It's similar to what I have been taught in firearm self defense classes. If you believe that you may ever use a gun to protect your family, do not put up any of the "humorous" aggressive signs such as "Forget about the Dog, Beware of Owner", This Premises Protected by S&W Security", "Trespassers Will be Shot, Survivors Shot Again", etc. The law generally looks upon these as advertising an intent or predisposition to do violence.

It's a shame that we live in a society where the honest person trying to keep their property and persons safe is put on the defensive legally, rather than those trying to do harm.

 

[aggieterpkatie]

While I'm not a lawyer, and I don't play one on TV, but generally having a "Beware of Dog" type sign tells the world that you know that you have a dangerous animal and that you took no precautions to keep visitors safe.

It's similar to what I have been taught in firearm self defense classes. If you believe that you may ever use a gun to protect your family, do not put up any of the "humorous" aggressive signs such as "Forget about the Dog, Beware of Owner", This Premises Protected by S&W Security", "Trespassers Will be Shot, Survivors Shot Again", etc. The law generally looks upon these as advertising an intent or predisposition to do violence.

It's a shame that we live in a society where the honest person trying to keep their property and persons safe is put on the defensive legally, rather than those trying to do harm.

See, and I would think that a sign stating you have dogs *is* warning people. :/ Common sense ain't so common.

 

[savingdogs]

We do not have Beware of Dog signs up because we have been taught by our dog rescuer group that this does indeed establish that you believe your dog is dangerous. That doesn't mean you can't have a sign that says Rotteweiler Crossing or such. We settled for No Tresspassing and Rhodesian Ridgeback Crossing because we have a couple of those.

 

[Blackbird]

How about 'Beware of the Killer Chihuahua'?

Thanks K0xxx! That's what I had heard.. Heck, it was probably from you in the first place.

 

[savingdogs]

That is only scary if your name is Taco Bell.

But seriously, some people are intimidated by little dogs. You would be surprised. Big, tall, full-functioning people......

 

[Beekissed]

There is a reason for that. Small dogs are most likely to be fear aggressive due to their small stature...and the most likely to bite.

 

[savingdogs]

Very true! I work at a vet clinic and little dogs are often the worst patients............muzzles come out when we just HEAR the word "pom"