More on One Free Bite Rule

The other day we blogged that the Court of Appeals had once again affirmed New York's "one free bite" rule.  Amid news reports that the Legislature is considering various dog legislation, including one bill that would allow dogs in outdoor areas of restaurants, we checked to see if any pending legislation would overturn this foolish rule. S02494, introduced last January would do so partially, making dog owners strictly liable for medical expenses resulting from a dog bite.  The legislation is currently stuck in the Judiciary Committee.  Other bills would increase penalties on owners who "negligently" allowed a dog to bite another person.  What is needed is legislation that specifically says, if your dog is off-leash and that is not allowed, you are strictly liable for any injury that dog causes, not only medical expenses.