Dog-on-Dog Attacks and Owner Rights

When Your Pet Is Attacked

For many families in Tennessee, dogs are more than pets. They are companions, protectors, and beloved members of the household. That is why a dog-on-dog attack can be deeply traumatic. Beyond the emotional toll, such incidents often result in expensive veterinary bills, long-term care, permanent injury, or even the loss of a pet. Unfortunately, many dog owners are unaware of their legal rights when another dog attacks their animal, especially in public places or shared spaces like parks, sidewalks, or apartment complexes.

At the Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we help pet owners understand their options after a dog-on-dog attack. Whether your dog was injured while walking in your neighborhood, at a dog park, or in your own yard, you may have the right to seek compensation from the negligent or irresponsible owner of the attacking dog. With offices in Brentwood, Nashville, and Murfreesboro, our firm represents clients throughout Davidson County and Middle Tennessee.

What Tennessee Law Says About Dog Attacks

Tennessee dog bite law is primarily governed by Tennessee Code Annotated § 44-8-413. This statute addresses when a dog owner may be held strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog. It applies when a dog injures a person in a public place or lawfully on private property, provided the victim was acting peaceably and did not provoke the dog. However, the statute does not specifically provide for compensation when a dog attacks another dog.

That does not mean dog owners are without legal options. Claims for injuries to pets are typically brought under common law negligence principles. If a dog owner knew or should have known that their animal was dangerous and failed to take reasonable steps to control it, they can be held financially responsible for the harm caused. This includes situations where a dog was off leash, escaped from a yard, or had a history of aggressive behavior.

Liability may also arise under Tennessee’s leash laws or local ordinances. Many cities and counties, including Nashville and Murfreesboro, require dogs to be leashed in public areas. Violating these laws can be evidence of negligence and may strengthen your claim.

Establishing Negligence in Dog-on-Dog Incidents

To succeed in a negligence claim, a dog owner must show that the attacking dog’s owner failed to act with reasonable care. Evidence that supports negligence can include prior incidents of aggression, complaints made to animal control, citations or warnings issued to the owner, or witnesses who observed the dog behaving dangerously.

The context of the attack matters greatly. If the incident occurred in a public area like a sidewalk or dog park and the attacking dog was off leash, that may constitute a breach of duty. If the dog escaped from an inadequately fenced yard or slipped out of an open gate, that may also demonstrate the owner’s failure to prevent foreseeable harm.

In apartment complexes or shared residential areas, tenants may be held accountable if they ignore leash requirements or warnings about their dog’s temperament. Additionally, landlords or property managers may face liability if they knew of a dangerous dog on the premises but failed to intervene.

Damages You May Be Entitled to Recover

Under Tennessee law, pets are generally considered property. Although this classification may feel inadequate for those who love their dogs as family, it does allow for financial recovery in cases where a pet is injured or killed due to another person’s negligence.

Recoverable damages may include veterinary bills, the cost of emergency surgery or medications, and expenses for ongoing care or rehabilitation. In cases where a pet dies from its injuries, damages may include the fair market value of the animal. Courts may also allow for compensation for emotional distress under limited circumstances, particularly when the conduct of the other dog’s owner was especially reckless or malicious.

Additional damages may be available if the owner had reason to know their dog posed a threat and failed to prevent the attack. For example, if a dog owner’s disregard of their dog’s propensity for violence could be considered malicious or reckless, the court may consider awarding punitive damages.

While Tennessee courts have not historically awarded high amounts for pet-related damages, trends across the country show increasing recognition of the emotional harm caused by these events. A skilled attorney can help frame the case in a way that reflects the full scope of your loss and presents the strongest argument for meaningful compensation.

What to Do After a Dog-on-Dog Attack

The aftermath of a dog attack is often chaotic and emotionally charged. However, the steps you take immediately following the incident can significantly affect your ability to bring a legal claim.

Seek veterinary care for your dog right away, even if the injuries seem minor. Dog bites and scratches can lead to infections or internal injuries that are not immediately visible. Be sure to keep all veterinary records, receipts, and discharge instructions.

If possible, obtain the name and contact information of the other dog’s owner. Take photographs of your dog’s injuries, the scene of the incident, and any visible damage. If there are witnesses, ask for their statements and contact information. Report the incident to your local animal control office or law enforcement agency. Their documentation and investigation may support your claim.

You should also notify your own homeowners or renters insurance company, even if you are not at fault. Some policies provide coverage for pet injuries or may assist in subrogation efforts if you need to recover costs from the responsible party.

How Liability Differs at Dog Parks

Dog parks and off-leash areas are among the most common locations for dog-on-dog attacks. These settings often involve high energy levels, multiple animals in close proximity, and varied levels of obedience and socialization. Many cities post rules at the entrance to dog parks, stating that owners are responsible for the behavior of their pets.

If an owner brings an aggressive or poorly socialized dog into a park and fails to supervise or control the animal, they may be found negligent if that dog injures another pet. Owners are expected to remove their dog at the first sign of aggression and to intervene promptly if a fight occurs.

The presence of warning signs at a dog park does not eliminate liability. While these signs are intended to reduce risk, dog owners remain responsible under Tennessee law for preventing foreseeable harm. If your dog was attacked at a public or private dog park, you may still have a valid claim depending on the facts of the case.

Legal Options When a Dog Kills Your Pet

Few experiences are as devastating as losing a dog to a violent attack. If another dog kills your pet, you may bring a claim against the responsible owner under negligence or recklessness theories. Courts are more likely to consider additional damages, including emotional distress or punitive damages, when a dog is killed under particularly egregious circumstances.

These cases often involve dogs with a known history of violence, repeated incidents of aggression, or owners who have ignored warnings from neighbors or animal control. In extreme cases, criminal charges may be brought against the negligent owner, particularly if the attacking dog was allowed to roam freely or previously declared dangerous.

Our firm handles these sensitive cases with compassion and thorough attention to detail. We work closely with veterinary experts, animal behaviorists, and local authorities to establish the facts and pursue justice for the loss of your companion.

When Landlords or Property Managers Are Liable

Dog-on-dog attacks are increasingly common in apartment complexes, condo associations, and other multi-residential communities. When these attacks occur in shared spaces, liability may extend beyond the dog’s owner.

If the property manager or landlord had prior knowledge of a dangerous dog and failed to take action, such as removing the animal or warning other tenants, they may share in the responsibility. Similarly, if property managers do not enforce leash rules, fail to repair fencing, or ignore repeated complaints, they may be held liable under Tennessee’s premises liability laws.

We carefully investigate the circumstances surrounding each attack, including whether the property owner had actual or constructive notice of the risk and failed to act. These cases often involve a combination of tenant and property management negligence.

Emotional Distress and Legal Recognition

Tennessee law still categorizes pets as property, but that classification does not mean the courts ignore the emotional devastation that follows a dog-on-dog attack. While not guaranteed, courts may award damages for emotional suffering if the conduct of the other dog’s owner was particularly egregious.

Courts may be more sympathetic when the attacking dog has a long history of aggression, the attack was witnessed by children, or the pet was killed in a violent manner. Although Tennessee’s approach to emotional distress claims remains conservative, evolving standards in tort law and shifting public sentiment mean that courts may be increasingly willing to consider these factors.

How the Law Offices of John Day, P.C. Can Help

Dog-on-dog attacks raise complex legal and emotional issues. They involve not only the loss of property but the injury or death of a beloved companion. Insurance companies may minimize your claim or argue that pets have no real value under the law. Without strong legal representation, many pet owners are left bearing the costs and emotional burdens alone.

At the Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we understand the full impact of dog-on-dog attacks. We approach these cases with empathy, clarity, and strategic focus. Our attorneys have decades of experience handling personal injury and negligence claims and are well-versed in the nuances of Tennessee law. We take the time to listen to your story, investigate thoroughly, and pursue every available form of recovery.

Schedule a Free Consultation

If your dog was attacked or killed by another dog, you do not have to go through the aftermath alone. You may have the right to recover veterinary expenses, compensation for emotional loss, and other damages under Tennessee law.

Call the Law Offices of John Day, P.C. at (615) 742-4880 to schedule a free consultation. With offices in Brentwood, Nashville, and Murfreesboro, we proudly represent clients throughout Davidson County and across Middle Tennessee.