The city of Chicago enacted ordinances to protect the public from dog bites and attacks. The laws published in the city code work in conjunction with the Illinois comprehensive Animal Control Act. A dog owner’s failure to follow Chicago’s city ordinance can result in civil liability for the dog owner to anyone injured by an attacking animal.

A dog attack victim in Chicago deserves aggressive representation when seeking compensation for damages and losses relating to the attack. The Chicago dog bite attorneys with Stein Shulman LLC understand the pain, anger, and frustration a dog bite victim and his or her family experience in the aftermath of a dog bite or dog attack. Stein Shulman LLC’s Chicago dog bite lawyers have extensive experience winning legal damages for their clients and the families of their clients bitten by a dog in Chicago.

Chapter 7-12 of Chicago’s municipal code places dog owners of their obligation to control their animal at all times. Chicago enacted what is commonly referred to as a leash law. Section 7-12-030 of the municipal code requires dog owners to keep their dog on a leash if the animal is outside of the confines of a yard. However, a dog may not be in a yard or on the property unless a fence or other structure of sufficient height surrounds the property. The fence must be sturdy enough to restrain a dog.

A violation of Chicago’s leash law is a misdemeanor, and a breach of 7-12-030 can result in a fine not to exceed $300.00 if a dog attacks a person provided that the dog does not cause serious injury or death. Furthermore, the dog owner is liable to pay a fine between $1,000.00 and $10,000.00 and could be jailed for up to six months if the owner’s dog caused serious injuries or death. Section 7-12-030 also mandates that full restitution must be made to the injured party. Critically, the ordinance holds dog owners to a strict liability standard. Consequently, the ordinance does not leave room for a defense based on ignorance, lack of knowledge, or lack of intent.

Chicago’s dog ordinance creates a series of obligations upon the owner of the attacking dog after a biting incident. This rule applies to both attacks on people as well as on other animals. Chapter 7-12-090 requires the dog owner to notify Chicago’s executive director of Chicago Animal Care and Control Department within 24 hours of the biting incident. Next, the dog owner must deliver the canine to a veterinarian within 24 hours and shall remain in the care of the veterinarian for ten days unless there is evidence that the dog has been inoculated from rabies. The dog owner might take the dog home and keep it quarantined for ten days unless the dog attack caused serious bodily injury or death. In that case, the dog must remain in the care of the veterinarian.

During that ten-day period, the executive director of the Animal Care and Control Department will make an inquiry as to whether the dog should be declared to be a dangerous dog. The executive director is not limited to biting incidents to begin an inquiry as to whether the dog is dangerous. The executive director may make inquiry in the event of a bite, attack, or threatening behavior. Once declared dangerous, the dog may be euthanized or order that the dog may reside with the owner, subject to strict limitations, including muzzling, restraining, installing warning signs on the property, and carrying at least $100,000.00 of property insurance.

Chicago Dog Bite Lawyers Protecting Your Rights

The Chicago dog bite attorneys with Stein Shulman LLC are ready 24/7 to handle your claim and answer all of your questions. Call 312-422-0500 today to make an appointment to discuss your Chicago dog bite claim. Remember that time is limited, so call today.