How Connecticut treats damage done by a dog

C.G.S. § 22-357 says that if a dog does damage to the body or property of any person, the owner or keeper is liable, and for a minor owner or keeper the parent or guardian is. The Office of Legislative Research report on dog bite liability calls it a strict liability statute, meaning a victim does not have to prove the owner knew the dog was vicious or was careless.

The statute reaches anyone who harbors a dog, not just its titled owner. An injury firm's page quotes § 22-327(6), which defines a keeper as any person other than the owner who harbors or has possession of a dog, and a published decision says to harbor a dog is to afford it lodging, shelter or refuge. Someone fostering or boarding a protection dog should assume that applies to them.

The Nolo summary of Connecticut dog bite law lists the exceptions: the injured person was trespassing or committing another tort, or was teasing, tormenting or abusing the dog. Outside those, the statute applies.

Ask your insurer in writing whether the dog or its breed changes your coverage, and read lease and condo rules before you commit. State law does not override them.