Dog owners don't know they could be sued

Posted : 02-08-2005

More than half a million dog owners are unaware that they can be sued if their pet causes an accident.

But the nation's injured parties are far less ignorant, almost half of UK residents (45 per cent) say they would sue a dog's owner if it caused them accident or injury.

The study, by insurance company More Than, reveals that 83 per cent of dog owners do not have pet insurance and may well not be covered for costs if legal action was taken against them.

"Unlike cats which are seen as being free spirits, dogs are legally the owner's responsibility," said David Pitt, head of insurance for More than.

"Therefore a court could decide the owner is responsible if their dog causes any accident or injury - ranging from a car accident to biting the postman."

Costs of around £100 million have been exacted from pet owners who, under the 1971 Animals Act, are legally responsible for any damages caused, Direct Line pet insurance has revealed.

Pet owners can expect to pay an average of £500 in damages and around £450 in vets' bills, if the pet is fortunate enough to escape the confrontation alive.

© Adfero Ltd

The views expressed within the article are entirely those of Adfero Ltd and are not those of BDML Connect Ltd