How to Protect Yourself Against a Dog Attack Claim

As we raised in a recent blog, the South Australian government (via the Dog and Cat Management Board and the Department for Environment and Water) has started a campaign to warn people of the dangers of dog attacks.  The campaign aims to raise awareness about the risk of dog attacks by teaching adults and children that ‘Good dogs have bad days’.

Earlier this week the ABC published a story regarding the dog attack education campaign. In that story, the ABC noted that the State government’s campaign suggested, amongst other things, that dog owners/keepers should:

• Teach children the ‘warning signs’ of the risk of a dog attack occurring. This includes teaching children to read the body language of a dog. That being that if a dog is tired, frightened or annoyed they may respond with aggression resulting in a dog attack; and
• Training dogs not to attack or be aggressive. This includes training methods that do not include punishment that creates fear or aggression.

The Dog and Cat Management Board have also published a list of tips on their website for dog owners about how to avoid a dog attack occurring. These tips include:

• Keep your gates shut and your yard secure so that your dog can’t escape.
• Do not let young children interact with your dog without you present.
• Show all your visitors how to interact with your dog.
• Socialise your dog (with people and other dogs) from the time your dog is young.
• If your dog does not want to be around other dogs, keep your dog under control and away from other dogs when in an area with other dogs.
• Take your dog to an animal behaviourist or vet if it is displaying aggressive behaviour.

While the Dog and Cat Management Board have published advice regarding steps prudent people can take to further lessen the risk of a dog attack occurring, the dog owner/keeper is responsible if a dog attack does occur. Most people will have insurance cover to respond to a claim for a dog attack if they have home and contents insurance and public liability insurance.  if available, the insurance can be accessed to avoid you being personally financially responsible for any compensation sought as a result of a dog attack caused by your dog.

If you own a dog and do not have home and contents insurance and public liability insurance, it is important that you look into obtaining insurance.  If you hold insurance but you are unsure if it will respond to a dog attack claim, you should contact your insurer to confirm you have the right insurance.  You never know when your 'good dog’ will have a ‘bad day’.

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