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New York: dog bite rules

Whether your state holds dog owners strictly liable for bites or follows the one-bite rule.

Single detailed source
Type of ruleMixed
How it worksMixed: strict liability for medical costs from dangerous dogs; otherwise one-bite rule
LawAgric. & Mkts. Law 123

Under strict liability the owner usually pays even if the dog never bit before; under the one-bite rule you must show the owner knew the dog was dangerous or was careless. Provoking the dog or trespassing can bar or reduce recovery. Homeowners and renters insurance often pays dog-bite claims.

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply. Confirm with the state agency, the court or a licensed professional in New York.

How New York compares

7 of 51 states and DC share this answer (Mixed): Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee.

Alaska: One-bite ruleAKMaine: Strict liabilityMEVermont: One-bite ruleVTNew Hampshire: Strict liabilityNHWashington: Strict liabilityWAIdaho: Strict liabilityIDMontana: Strict liabilityMTNorth Dakota: One-bite ruleNDMinnesota: Strict liabilityMNIllinois: Strict liabilityILWisconsin: Strict liabilityWIMichigan: Strict liabilityMINew York: MixedNYRhode Island: Strict liabilityRIMassachusetts: Strict liabilityMAOregon: Strict liabilityORNevada: One-bite ruleNVWyoming: One-bite ruleWYSouth Dakota: One-bite ruleSDIowa: Strict liabilityIAIndiana: MixedINOhio: Strict liabilityOHPennsylvania: Strict liabilityPANew Jersey: Strict liabilityNJConnecticut: Strict liabilityCTCalifornia: Strict liabilityCAUtah: Strict liabilityUTColorado: Strict liabilityCONebraska: Strict liabilityNEMissouri: Strict liabilityMOKentucky: Strict liabilityKYWest Virginia: Strict liabilityWVVirginia: One-bite ruleVAMaryland: MixedMDDelaware: Strict liabilityDEArizona: Strict liabilityAZNew Mexico: One-bite ruleNMKansas: One-bite ruleKSArkansas: One-bite ruleARTennessee: MixedTNNorth Carolina: MixedNCSouth Carolina: Strict liabilitySCDistrict of Columbia: One-bite ruleDCOklahoma: Strict liabilityOKLouisiana: Strict liabilityLAMississippi: One-bite ruleMSAlabama: Strict liabilityALGeorgia: MixedGAHawaii: MixedHITexas: One-bite ruleTXFlorida: Strict liabilityFL
  • Strict liability (31)
  • One-bite rule (13)
  • Mixed (7)

Also for New York: Car insurance by state in New York · Claim deadlines in New York · Small claims limits in New York · Total loss rules in New York · Shared fault rules in New York · Accident reporting rules in New York · Phone-while-driving laws in New York · Motorcycle helmet laws in New York · All New York rules on one page

How we checked this

Rules come from Nolo's 50-state dog-bite law table, with statute citations. Last checked: November 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the state agency or a licensed professional before acting.

Cross-checked sources agree   Checked on official source confirmed on a government, court or legislature site   Single detailed source one detailed table built from statutes or official data   Under review sources disagree; read the note and the law.