ABA Family Legal Guide

Personal Injury

Strict Liability

What if one of my animals escapes from our fenced-in yard and goes onto our neighbor's property?

In most jurisdictions, keepers of all animals, including domesticated ones, are strictly liable for damages resulting from the trespass of their animals on another person's property. But courts make exceptions for the owners of dogs and cats, saying they are not strictly liable for trespasses unless the owner is negligent or where strict liability is imposed by statute or ordinance for certain breeds of dogs with aggressive traits (pit bulls, for example).