Ankeny Dog Bite Attorneys: What You Need to Know About Iowa Dog Bite Laws

Dogs may be known as man's best friend, but the reality is that any dog can turn on a person at any time. When a dog attacks or bites someone in Ankeny or anywhere in Iowa, the results can be devastating. Deep lacerations, tendon damage, nerve damage, and even death can result from a serious dog attack. These injuries can lead to enormous medical bills, missed time from work, and significant pain and suffering. If you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked by a dog in the Ankeny area, understanding Iowa's dog bite laws is a critical first step toward protecting your rights.

Iowa Dog Bite Law: Owner Liability Under Iowa Code 351.28

The state of Iowa has a clear statute that places liability for dog bite injuries on the dog's owner. According to Iowa Code 351.28, the owner of a dog is liable to an injured party for all damages caused by the dog when the dog is caught in the act of worrying, maiming, or killing a domestic animal, or when the dog is attacking or attempting to bite a person. The only exception under the law is when the person who was injured was doing something unlawful that directly contributed to the incident.

This means that damages in an Iowa dog bite case can extend well beyond the direct injuries from the bite itself. For example, if a person is trying to escape a dog attack and runs into the street, getting struck by a car, that victim can make a claim for the additional injuries caused by the vehicle. Similarly, if a person was riding a bicycle and a dog began chasing and attempting to attack them, causing the rider to fall and suffer injuries, the dog owner could be held liable under Iowa's dog bite law. Each situation is unique, and consulting with an Iowa dog bite lawyer is always recommended to evaluate the specifics of your case.

Iowa's Rabies Vaccination Law and What It Means for Dog Bite Victims

One concern that arises after many dog attacks is the risk of rabies. Rabies is a deadly virus that can spread to humans through the saliva of an infected animal. In the early 1900s, more than 100 people per year died from rabies infection. By the 1990s, advances in vaccination and public health measures had reduced that number to just one or two deaths per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Iowa law plays an important role in keeping that number low.

Iowa Annotated Statute 351.33 requires dog owners to vaccinate their dogs against rabies. Specifically, the law states: ""It shall be unlawful for any person to own or have a dog in the person's possession, six months of age or over, which has not been vaccinated against rabies."" Learn more about Iowa's rabies vaccination requirements for dogs and how they may affect your case.

If a dog is found running at large without vaccination, the local board of health or a law enforcement official has the authority to impound the animal. The owner then has one week to produce proof of vaccination or have the dog vaccinated immediately. Failure to do so can result in the dog being euthanized. Failing to follow the rabies vaccination law is a simple misdemeanor offense in Iowa.

Exemptions to the Iowa Rabies Vaccination Requirement

Iowa statutes do allow for certain exemptions to the rabies vaccination law. These include dogs that are under six months of age, dogs kept in a kennel and not allowed to run at large, dogs that are under the control of the owner and in transit and will be in Iowa for fewer than 30 days, dogs that are being exhibited and will be in the state for fewer than 30 days, and dogs assigned to a research facility. While these animals may be legally exempt, it is still good practice to ensure all dogs remain current on their rabies vaccine. If an unvaccinated dog has a run-in with a wild, rabid animal, the dog itself could become infected and then pose a serious threat to humans.

How Rabies Vaccinations Are Administered in Iowa

Iowa law requires that only licensed veterinarians administer the rabies vaccine, and the vaccine must be approved by the state department of agriculture and land stewardship. After vaccination, the vet issues a certification that the owner must keep available in case authorities request proof. The vet also issues a rabies tag that must be attached to the dog's collar at all times. The rabies vaccine is relatively affordable and available at any veterinary office or animal hospital throughout Iowa.

Recognizing Rabies Symptoms After a Dog Bite

If you are bitten or attacked by a dog in Ankeny, it is important to know the warning signs of rabies in animals. Rabies can spread to humans through the saliva of an infected animal, making it a serious medical concern after any dog attack. Symptoms of rabies in animals include aggression, biting, a dazed look and confused behavior, refusing water, and foaming at the mouth. If you observe any of these warning signs in the animal that attacked you, stay away from the animal and contact your local animal control immediately. You should also seek medical attention right away. Learn more about the stages of rabies and personal injury in Iowa.

Common Challenges to an Iowa Dog Bite Claim

If you are pursuing a dog bite claim after an attack in Ankeny, it is important to understand that dog owners and their insurance companies will often mount challenges to your claim. Knowing what defenses may be raised against you can help you and your attorney prepare a stronger case. The following are the most common challenges you may face.

Was the Victim Trespassing?

Many dog owners believe that if the person bitten was trespassing on their property, they bear no responsibility for the dog's actions. Under Iowa Code 351.28, an owner may not be liable if the victim was doing something unlawful that directly contributed to the injury. So if someone hopped a fence and frightened the dog, a dog owner might use that argument to challenge liability. However, the key issue is whether the trespassing actually contributed to the bite. If the trespass did not contribute to the injury, the dog owner may still be held liable for damages. Read more about challenges to Iowa dog bite claims and how to address them.

Was the Dog Provoked?

Provocation is one of the most frequently used defenses in Iowa dog bite cases. Dog owners may argue that their dog only bit or attacked because it was provoked by the victim. There are scenarios where this argument may have merit, such as when a person pulled a dog's tail or chased the dog into a corner. However, provocation is not always clear-cut. A young child may inadvertently provoke a dog without intending to do so, or an adult may have been playing in a way the dog perceived as threatening. What one party considers provocation, another may view as innocent behavior. If provocation is raised as a defense in your case, it is essential to discuss the specific details with an experienced Ankeny dog bite attorney who can evaluate how the law applies to the facts.

Did the Dog Have Rabies?

Under Iowa law, dog owners are generally not held liable for bites if the dog had rabies and the owner did not know, and could not reasonably have been expected to know, that the dog had rabies. However, if the dog bite victim can demonstrate that the owner was negligent in some way, such as by leaving a gate open or allowing a child unsupervised access to an area where the dog was present, the owner may still be found liable for the resulting injuries.

Injuries That Can Result From a Dog Attack in Iowa

While many dog bites result in only minor scrapes that heal quickly, serious attacks can cause injuries that have lasting physical and emotional consequences. In extreme cases, a dog attack in Iowa can result in deep lacerations, tendon damage, nerve damage, infection, rabies exposure, permanent scarring, and even death. These injuries frequently lead to significant medical expenses, lost income from missed work, and emotional trauma including stress and anxiety. Iowa dog bite law recognizes the full scope of these damages, allowing victims to seek compensation not only for their physical injuries but for all related losses connected to the attack.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Ankeny

Taking the right steps after a dog attack can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. First and foremost, seek medical attention immediately, even if the injury seems minor. Dog bites can introduce bacteria deep into the wound, and the risk of infection or rabies exposure requires prompt evaluation by a medical professional. Report the attack to local police or animal control so that there is an official record of the incident. Document everything you can, including photographs of your injuries, the location of the attack, and contact information for any witnesses. Keep records of all medical treatment, expenses, and any time lost from work as a result of the attack.

If you have been injured badly enough to require medical attention or have missed work due to a dog attack, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible. Iowa's dog bite laws can be complex, and the insurance company for the dog owner is not on your side. An experienced Ankeny dog bite attorney can help you understand your rights, evaluate the strength of your claim, and guide you through the process of seeking the compensation you deserve.

When to Contact Ankeny Dog Bite Lawyers

For the complete list of things you should do if bitten by a dog you can request our FREE book, "Iowa Consumer's Guide to Dog Bites- Secrets to Not Get Bitten by Your Case" which is available to you with no risk or obligation by clicking here or by calling 641-792-3595. 

Why offer a Free Dog Bite Book?  Since 1997, I have been representing injured Iowans, including many dog bite victims from central Iowa and throughout the state.  I have heard too many horror stories about people making costly mistakes, causing them to lose thousands of dollars.  Before you talk to the insurance company you should know your rights and perhaps more importantly your responsibilities.   

If you need immediate assistance, contact us online or call us at (641) 792-3595. If you are not local to us, we will come to you.

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