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Do dogs need to be leashed in Olean, New York?

On Behalf of | Jan 15, 2025 | Dog Bites

Leashes help protect the safety of dogs and everyone else around them. While limited studies exist on how leashes affect the frequency of attacks, it is not presumptuous to say that leashes can prevent dogs from biting.

This is why many states have leash laws that require pet owners to keep their dogs leashed in public. However, New York does not have a statewide leash law, which means municipalities have varying leash requirements for dog leashes.

Here’s what you need to know.

Does Olean have a leash law?

According to Olean dog ordinances, owners must not allow their dogs to run at large without an adequate leash. Unleashed dogs also cannot be on school grounds or recreational areas, including sidewalks.

If you see an unleashed dog in public and you think it may cause harm to others, you can report the owner to law enforcement.

What if an unleashed dog bites you?

New York uses a hybrid of strict liability and the one-bite rule. Strict liability means owners are usually liable for the victim’s medical expenses. On the other hand, the one-bite rule bases liability on the owner’s knowledge of their dog’s dangerous behavior. It assumes that owners could not have known their dog was dangerous until it bit someone.

For example, you can still seek compensation from the owner, even if it is the dog’s first attack. You will need to prove the owner was negligent in controlling their pet and any other reasonable person would have known the dog was a threat.

New York’s dog bite laws generally apply to all cases. However, the lack of a leash may make it easier to prove the owner’s negligence. It can also increase penalties for the owner, since they violated city ordinance.

How can a lawyer help?

Dog attacks can cause serious physical and mental injury. In many cases, victims are left with not just medical expenses – they also suffer emotional and mental consequences, such as PTSD or a newfound fear of canines. That said, you deserve compensation if a dog bites you in an unprovoked attack.

Legal guidance can be invaluable in situations like this. Consider seeking help from an attorney who can assist you with any kind of animal injury, including bites, scratches and knockdowns.