How to Report a Dog Bite or an Aggressive Dog and Why You Should

Why Should I Report a Dog Bite or Aggressive Dog?

Let’s start with why you should report a dog bite or even just an aggressive dog.  Under Tennessee law, dog owners have a responsibility to keep their dog under “reasonable control” and not permit them to run-at-large.  If the owner fails to do so and the dog bites or attacks someone or otherwise causes injury (such as causing them to wreck their bike), the dog owner can be found responsible.  There are several exceptions to this general rule, but the biggest exception is the “residential exception”.   Under this exception, if the dog is loose on its owner’s property and the dog bites someone, the victim must prove that the owner knew or should have known of the dog’s dangerous propensities.  So when you report a dog bite or an aggressive dog, perhaps one that chased a child but did not bite or one that attacked another dog or cat, you are helping create a record that can be used later by either a bite or attack victim or Animal Control.  Animal Control cannot respond or take action if they do not know of the problem.

In Tennessee, there is not a state law that requires you to report a dog bite or attack or an aggressive dog.  However, you should report incidences for the reasons stated above and because some local laws do, in fact, require it.  For example, in Williamson County, there are a myriad of laws related to animals including a reporting provision that even extends to medical professionals who treated a dog bite or dog attack victim.   Check your city and county laws and regulations to determine if you are under a legal duty to report a dog bite injury. 

How Do I Report a Dog Bite or Aggressive Dog?

Contact your local Animal Control.  Some counties have online reporting systems and for others you must call.  If your county does not have a dedicated Animal Control, you should contact your local law enforcement office.  Under Tennessee Code Annotated 44-8-408, an owner who allows their dog to run loose could be found guilty of anything from a Class A, B or C misdemeanor or a Class D or Class E felony depending upon the circumstances and the severity of the harm caused by the dog.

While at first blush, you might feel silly for calling law enforcement about a dog, please remember that dog bite injuries are on the rise.  Last year, insurers faced 22,658 dog bite claims and paid over $1.6 billion dollars in compensation.  Each year, roughly 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs (approximately ½ of the victims are young children) and roughly 800,000 of those dog bites will require medical attention.   Tennessee’s dog law is named after Dianna Acklen who was killed by a dog while out walking. 

If you have questions about a dog bite or dog attack incident, we have answers.  Our award-winning lawyers handle all dog bite cases on a contingency basis so we only get paid if we win and we advance all case expenses so you are not out of pocket anything to pursue your rights. To get started in a free, no-obligation consultation, simply give us a call.

Nashville: 615-669-3993

Murfreesboro: 615-867-9900

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