Earlier this year, concerns were raised about the fate of a dog named Dexter in Santaquin, Utah (Utah County). As explained in this Deseret News article, a Justice Court judge ruled that Santaquin’s “vicious animal” ordinance was broad enough to include a dog who had accidentally scratched a girl while trying to play.
The city ordinance condemned any “a dog that has bitten, clawed, attacked, chased, harassed, pursued or worried a person without provocation.”
This language is much broader than most “vicious animal” ordinances and state law.
With the assistance of its general counsel, the Humane Society reported that criminal charges would be dropped if the city amended its ordinance. According to the family’s Facebook page, the city has been working on updated language, and an amendment may be on the City Council agenda next month. So that seems to be good news for Dexter and his family.
Dog bites are one thing but a case against involving a scratch can be a pretty tricky situation. Dog bite and scratch laws can vary from county to county in the state of Utah. A law that could be in place in Santaquin may very well not be a law in say the city of Bountiful (Davis County). It is important whether you’re a victim or if your dog bit or scratched someone that you hire the right attorney to help you.
We are available to answer any of the frequently asked questions when it comes to cases of this nature. We’ve seen it all.
For more information on dog bite cases and personal injury cases please see William J. Hansen’s full bio. He has decades worth of experience handling these types of cases and can make sure that you have the representation that you need. He will handle your case the right way.