Bill > H0183

This bill establishes a strict liability standard for damages caused by domestic dogs in Vermont, fundamentally changing existing law regarding dog-related injuries. Under the new legislation, dog owners will be legally responsible for any injuries their dogs cause in public places or on private property where the injured party is lawfully present, regardless of whether the dog has previously shown aggressive tendencies. The bill specifically defines owners as people who regularly control or harbor a dog, and outlines several important limitations on liability, such as exempting cases where the injured person was trespassing, where the dog was protecting its owner from attack, or where the dog was securely confined. The law also clarifies what constitutes "running at large," which means a dog is uncontrolled on another's property or in a public space without consent. Notably, the bill repeals the previous process for investigating dog bite incidents and replaces it with this comprehensive strict liability framework. The new legal standard will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving dog owners and municipalities time to understand and prepare for the changes in potential legal responsibility for dog-related incidents.

Justice

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.183