CNS News–Tennessee’s legal landscape regarding dog bites and aggressive behavior is complex, blending strict liability rules with traditional doctrines like the “one bite” rule. These laws aim to balance the responsibilities of dog ownership with public safety, providing a framework for holding owners accountable while considering various circumstances that might mitigate liability.
Under Tennessee law, dog owners can be held liable for damages caused by their dogs under strict liability provisions. This means owners may be responsible for injuries caused by their dogs in public places or private places where the victim had permission to be, regardless of the dog’s past behavior.
The “one bite” rule, however, still holds relevance in Tennessee. Under this rule, owners may be held liable if their dog has a known propensity for aggression or has previously injured someone, and the owner was aware of this behavior. This rule typically applies on the owner’s property or in private places not covered by strict liability.
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A key concept in Tennessee’s dog laws is the definition of a dog “running at large.” Owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs if they are running at large, whether onto someone else’s property without consent or in public spaces without control.
Penalties for violations of these laws can be severe, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the outcome of the dog’s behavior. Exceptions to strict liability include scenarios involving police or military dogs, trespassing victims, dogs protecting their owners, securely confined dogs, or cases of provocation.