Chicago Animal Control Laws

Every municipality has its own animal control laws that are in place to protect the general public from injury by animals that are owned by others. These laws place the responsibility of the animal’s behavior and containment onto the owner and clearly outline owner liability should a dog bite attack occur.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite attack, we at 844 See Mike are here for you every step of the way to ensure that your rights are protected and you are fully compensated for your injuries and losses, and this includes working on your behalf to ensure a favorable settlement.

Liability in a Dog Bite Attack

In Chicago, animal control laws are clear on liability for damages following a dog bite attack. According to the Illinois General Assembly (ILGA):

(510 ILCS 5/) Sec. 2.16. “Owner” means any person having a right of property in an animal, or who keeps or harbors an animal, or who has it in his care, or acts as its custodian, or who knowingly permits a dog to remain on any premises occupied by him or her.

This means that someone is the “owner” as long as they knowingly allow the animal to reside on their property, whether they consider themselves the proper owner or not, and they would be liable for any damages and injuries the dog should cause following a dog bite attack.

The ILGA defines an animal attack as such:

(510 ILCS 5/) Sec. 16. Animal attacks or injuries. If a dog or other animal, without provocation, attacks, attempts to attack, or injures any person who is peaceably conducting himself or herself in any place where he or she may lawfully be, the owner of such dog or other animal is liable in civil damages to such person for the full amount of the injury proximately caused thereby. 

It is important to remember that this law does not apply if it is determined that the dog bite occurred during an illegal activity, the dog or its offspring was being threatened, or if the dog was responding to pain or an injury or protecting its owner.

Owners, as the ILGA states, must also properly restrain and control their dogs and if the dog is deemed “dangerous”, they must follow additional requirements such as muzzling when in public and strict enclosures to prevent running-at-large.

Chicago Animal Control Laws

The city of Chicago has very specific animal control and care regulations that every pet owner is required to follow. These regulations are outlined in the Municipal Code of Chicago, Title 7 Chapter 7-12 and include:

• Dogs four months of age or older are required to be licensed, the license is to be on the dog at all times or available for inspection at any time.
• Animals are to be restrained inside the property line of the owner, may not reach their head over, under, or through fencing, and if the dog jumps on, bites, threatens, or attacks another person outside of the owner’s property, the owner could be subject to a fine.
• The owner will be responsible for any injuries or damages that their dog caused while outside of their property.
• If a dog is deemed “dangerous” by the executive director, the owner will be responsible for stricter measures for the dog including microchipping, sterilization, obedience training, muzzling, confinement, and liability insurance.

Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries

To receive full compensation for your dog bite injuries, it is important to be represented by a dedicated and experienced personal injury lawyer. Financial compensation for your dog bite injury depends on a variety of factors including:   

• The extent of your injuries and associated medical bills;       
• Long term medical treatment that may be required, including assistive devices, pain management, home assistance, and therapy;    
• The insurance policy of the liable party;       
• Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and/or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

We at 844 See Mike are proud to serve our fellow citizens in personal injury cases, including when you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite attack, and we are fully committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that the other party is held legally accountable when

negligence occurs. We will fight until the very end to ensure that you are fully compensated for all injuries and losses resulting from the accident, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and you won’t owe us a dime for our services.

We see you as a person, not just a client – and that makes us better at what we do. We listen. We learn your story. And, as we help you get the money you deserve, we go above and beyond in a way most law firms never could and never would. Because we’re not just lawyers. And you’re not just a client. We’re friends, neighbors, family. We’re all people and here at 844 See Mike, we put People, First.

Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 900 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 120 five-star reviews on Google. Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at michael@agrusslawfirm.com or schedule a meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7.