What happens if my dog bites another dog? Is it a criminal offence?
Owning a dog involves taking on a range of responsibilities regarding its care, well-being, and behaviour. Although most dogs are not aggressive, unexpected situations can happen on any walk. Knowing what to do if your dog bites another allows you to act appropriately, protect the animals involved, and handle the situation responsibly.
A dog bite does not automatically mean the animal is aggressive. However, it is essential to know the steps to take after an incident, your obligations as an owner, and the potential legal and financial consequences of any damage caused.
Immediate steps: What should you do if your dog bites another?
When a fight or a bite happens between dogs, the most urgent priority is to take control of the situation and stop the animals from hurting each other further.
Here are the main steps to follow after a dog bite incident:
Separate the dogs calmly.
The main priority is to stop the animals from interacting. Never put your hands between them or try to pull them apart impulsively, as you risk getting bitten by accident. It is best to use their leads, create distance between the animals, or use a physical barrier if possible.
Restrain your dog without putting yourself at risk
Once separated, hold your dog securely to prevent it from approaching the other animal again. Maintaining a calm attitude helps to reduce tension and allows for a better assessment of what occurred.
Check the health status of the other dog
Look for visible wounds, bleeding, signs of pain, or difficulty moving. Even if an injury seems minor, some bites require veterinary attention to prevent complications. At this stage, taking photos of any injuries can be very helpful for subsequent insurance claims or paperwork.
Exchange contact details with the owner
Providing your details and gathering the other owner's information shows a basic duty of care and is essential for managing potential vet bills or insurance claims later on.
Seek veterinary care
If there are any injuries, the affected dog should be examined by a vet. It may also be worth consulting a vet or clinical animal behaviourist to understand what triggered your dog's reaction and prevent future incidents.
Following a clear protocol after a dog bite helps resolve the conflict properly and makes handling any subsequent claims much easier.
Third-party liability and legal consequences following a bite
When a dog causes harm to another animal, the owner or person in charge must take responsibility for their pet's behaviour. The dog owner's third-party liability involves covering any damage caused, including veterinary bills arising from the incident.
In addition to the civil liability owners already hold for damage caused by their pet, Law 7/2023 requires dog owners in Spain to hold third-party liability insurance (Art. 30). While this is now a nationwide requirement for all dogs, specific details—such as the minimum coverage amount—remain subject to regulatory updates. Depending on the policy terms, this type of insurance covers damage to third parties and simplifies managing expenses after an accident.
Furthermore, holding third-party liability insurance gives owners genuine peace of mind. Unexpected incidents can quickly lead to high costs, particularly if the affected animal needs emergency veterinary care.
What does reporting a dog attack involve?
If the owner of the affected dog believes the bite has caused significant damage, they may file an official report or make a claim to seek compensation. The exact procedure depends on the specific circumstances, the severity of the injuries, and local regulations.
To start, gather as much information as possible: contact details for both owners, vet reports, photos of the injuries, and statements from any witnesses.
If the bite injures a person, they should visit a medical centre immediately to have the injury assessed and obtain an official medical report. This documentation is crucial for any subsequent legal or insurance proceedings.
In disputes between owners, mediation can be a helpful way to reach an agreement without going through a drawn-out legal process. Clear communication and cooperation usually lead to a smoother resolution, especially when the incident was a one-off event.
Fines and penalties for an aggressive dog
Penalties following a bite vary depending on the severity of the incident, the circumstances, and regional laws. As a result, there is no single fixed fine for a dog bite that applies across every situation.
Beyond financial liability for damages, local authorities may evaluate whether the dog has an underlying behavioural issue requiring extra safety measures. This is particularly common if there are repeated incidents or if the animal poses an ongoing risk to people or other pets.
For dogs classified as Potentially Dangerous Dogs (PPP), specific rules apply regarding ownership, identification, muzzling, and handling. Additional requirements may be enforced under both national and regional animal welfare regulations.
Why does my dog bite other dogs?
A bite does not always stem from an aggressive temperament. Dogs can react in different ways depending on their past experiences, training, emotional state, or the specific situation they are in.
Common triggers include:
- Fear or insecurity: A dog that feels threatened may react defensively to protect itself.
- Lack of socialisation: Dogs that haven't had adequate positive interaction with other dogs may misread body language and canine signals.
- Resource guarding: Some dogs instinctively guard food, toys, territory, or even their owners.
- Pain or underlying health issues: Physical discomfort or illness can make a dog less tolerant of being touched or approached.
- Stress or anxiety: Unfamiliar environments, overwhelming stimuli, or previous negative experiences can spark unexpected reactions.
- Overly boisterous play: Encounters that start as friendly play can quickly escalate into conflict if the dogs struggle to regulate their energy levels.
Preventing dog bites relies on understanding body language, respecting your dog's boundaries, and starting training early. Active supervision during walks and proper socialisation are essential tools for avoiding incidents.
How to prevent future incidents and improve behaviour
Beyond taking the right steps during an incident, focusing on ongoing training and socialisation is crucial to reduce the risk of it happening again. Good socialisation and confident handling help prevent conflicts and encourage safer interactions.
Key recommendations include:
- Socialise your dog from puppyhood: Accustom them to meeting different people and dogs in controlled, positive environments.
- Use positive reinforcement: Reward good behaviour rather than using punishment. This leads to more effective learning and strengthens your bond.
- Respect stress signals: Watch for subtle signs of discomfort or anxiety and never force your dog into interactions when it feels unsafe.
- Supervise interactions closely: Keep a watchful eye during encounters with other dogs, especially in dog parks or shared public spaces.
- Keep your dog on a lead when required: Always comply with local lead rules and rules in public areas.
- Seek professional advice: Consult a qualified dog trainer or clinical animal behaviourist if your dog shows repeated aggression or struggles around other animals.
Proactive training and early intervention are the best ways to prevent incidents and enjoy stress-free walks.
The importance of third-party liability insurance for pets
While no owner expects their dog to injure another animal or person, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Having third-party liability insurance helps you handle potential claims with far greater peace of mind.
Beyond providing financial protection against damages covered by the policy, pet liability insurance gives you peace of mind, knowing you have support whenever the unexpected happens.