Case Changes Landlord Perspectives on Pit Bulls
By now, most people have heard the outcry from the general public regarding the new “law” on pit bulls and how it can affect a tenant’s right to own one while in a rental property. The response from at least one Maryland County is that they will not be changing how they look at pit bull dog bites. Landlords are asking their tenants to either remove the pit bull from the rental property or face the possibility of not having their lease renewed. How can one case have such a huge impact?
The appeals court opinion handed down April 26, 2012, in a 4-3 vote, called out pit bulls and their owners, saying the breed of dog has such a propensity for viciousness that it can only be considered dangerous and therefore all owners are strictly liable should the dog bite another. Furthermore, the case stated that a landlord who knowingly rents to someone who owns a pit bull or a pit bull mix can also be held strictly liable. The court cited seven cases in the last thirteen years which had resulted in serious injury or death, with five of the cases reaching the Court of Appeals and two of them reaching the Court of Special Appeals.
The biggest change brought by this ruling is simply that pit bulls and pit bull mixes are now singled out by breed as vicious animals, and they are no longer subject to the commonly held “one bite rule” which is applied to other breeds. As a result of this ruling, it is commonly thought that home owner’s insurance rates will skyrocket and more landlords will be held liable for the actions of their tenant’s dogs. Many also believe this is the first step to outlawing the breed in the state of Maryland.
The Dorsey Law Firm has the knowledge and know-how to deal with the treacherous waters known as dog bite cases. Our expert staff is available for consultation by simply contacting our office. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.
