Valparaiso, Indiana – Lawyer Office – Dog Bite Lawyer – Vicious Animal Attack

Dog Bite Laws in the City of Valparaiso

An unprovoked bite by a dog or cat does not necessarily mean that the dog or cat is dangerous or vicious. In the United States, all dogs and house cats, regardless of breed or size, are presumed to be harmless domestic animals. This presumption can be overcome with proof of a dangerous propensity as demonstrated by specific conduct of that particular animal.  A dangerous propensity is the tendency of an animal to act to endanger the safety of people or other animals. Depending on the facts of a dog or cat bite case, that dog’s or cat’s biting of a person can be used as evidence of that animal’s viciousness.

Valparaiso Ordinance § 91.03 entitled “GENERAL ANIMAL CARE REQUIREMENTS” states that every owner or his or her agent residing within the corporate limits of the city shall see that each of his or her animals: (A) Is kept in a clean, sanitary, and healthy manner and is not confined so as to be forced to stand, sit, or lie in its own excrement; (B) Has sufficient and wholesome food and water, which is proper and nutritional for that species of animal; (C) Lives in a structure, meeting minimum veterinary standards, which will protect that animal from all elements of the weather and will allow that animal to stand, sit, and lie down without restriction, and which is kept in a sanitary manner; (D) If ill, diseased, or injured, receives proper veterinary care as necessary to promote the good health of the animal and prevent the transmittal of a disease to other animals or human beings; (E) Is not beaten, ill-treated, overloaded, over-worked, tormented or otherwise abused or neglected or involved in any dog fight, cockfight, bullfight, or other combat between animals or between animals and humans; (F) Is not physically altered in any manner by anyone other than a veterinarian, except for tattooing for  identification purposes and grooming; (G) Is not abandoned, neglected, or tortured; (H) Does not become a public nuisance; (I) Does not become a dangerous animal; (J) In the case of a dog or cat over the age of three months, is properly vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian annually, or upon such frequency as may be specified by state law, and the  animal shall be licensed as required by this chapter and state law; (K) Is properly restrained and not at large; (L) During mating season, is kept in a secure enclosure in such a manner that it cannot come into contact with another animal of the same species, except for planned breeding.

Valparaiso Ordinance § 91.12 entitled “LEASH REGULATIONS” states that no person being the owner or having custody and control of any dog or cat shall permit or allow the dog or cat to run or to be at large in the streets, or on the walks or public grounds of the city, unless the dog or cat shall wear a collar or a harness and be effectively restrained by a chain or leash not more than ten feet in length.

Valparaiso Ordinance § 91.13 entitled “ANIMAL BITES” states:

(A)   If any person is a victim of an animal bite, he or she shall immediately notify the city Police Department and provide a description of the animal and identification, if possible, of the owner. When an animal is determined to have bitten a person, the animal shall be confined in quarantine for a period of not less than ten days.

(B)   If the animal’s owner which has bitten a person presents proof of current rabies inoculations, the animal may be left in the charge of the owner, under quarantine, unless in the judgment of the humane officer, police officer or code enforcement agent and based upon considerations of public safety, the humane officer determines it should be removed to an animal shelter or veterinary hospital for the period of observation.

(C)   In addition to other legal obligations prescribed by law, the owner shall pay for all costs incurred in the quarantine and/or impoundment of the animal before the animal will be released. If the owner is unable or unwilling to pay for the costs, the animal will be humanely euthanized and the owner shall remain liable for any costs incurred in the quarantine and/or impoundment.

(D)   If the owner of the quarantined animal cannot be determined, or if the owner does not furnish proof of current rabies inoculation, the animal shall be impounded under the authority of the Porter County Animal Shelter for a period of observation of not fewer than ten days.

(E)   Animal control officers, police officers or code enforcement agents shall be empowered to enter onto private property for the purpose of impounding animals which are known to have bitten a person and shall obtain legal process to do so if necessary.

(F)   Unless otherwise provided, the city and any of its agents shall comply with the standards set forth in I.C. 15-2.1-6-1 through I.C. 15-2.1-6-13 entitled “Rabies.”

Valparaiso Ordinance § 91.17 entitled “DANGEROUS AND POISONOUS ANIMALS PROHIBITED” states that   no person shall harbor or possess within the city any poisonous animal, reptile, amphibian, fish, or insect, or any animal that poses a threat to the public health and safety. That animal may be impounded by the animal control agency and disposed of in a manner determined to be in the best interest of the animal.

Valparaiso Ordinance § 91.22 entitled “SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH” states that if an animal kills or causes serious injury, the animal shall be deemed a dangerous animal, pursuant to § 91.02, and the animal shall be humanely impounded.  The owner shall be responsible for the costs of caring for the animal during the period of impoundment, including but not limited to costs of boarding and veterinary treatment, if necessary.

How a Valparaiso Dog Bite Attorney Can Help with Your Dog Bite Injury Claim

If you, or a loved one, has suffered a dog or cat bite injury due to the negligence of dog or cat owner/keeper, it is important that you seek the advice of a qualified lawyer who understands the law and possesses the skill to ensure that you get justice you deserve for your loss. Do not waste your one and only opportunity to receive just compensation for your injury case by hiring the wrong lawyer. Get a lawyer that is experienced, highly rated and certified to represent you and/or your family. Get Gladish.

About Valparaiso, Indiana

The City of Valparaiso is located in the Northwest Indiana and its name means “Vale of Paradise” in Old Spanish.  Its sister city and who the city is named after comes from Valparaiso, Chile.  The City of Valparaiso was incorporated in 1835 with a current population of over 34,000 residents.

The City of Valparaiso is home to Valparaiso University which is a Lutheran school with 5 undergraduate colleges as well as a graduate school.  Valparaiso University has about 2,800 students on campus that covers over 300 acres.  Valparaiso University has 18 athletic teams with nearly 600 student athletes that mostly participate in NCAA Division I in the Missouri Valley Conference.

The City of Valparaiso is run by a mayor as well as a 7-member city council.  Valparaiso’s City Hall is located at 166 W Lincolnway, Valparaiso, Indiana.

The City of Valparaiso is also known for its “Popcorn Festival” which offers family oriented activities with over 250 arts & crafts booths, 40 food booths, the play zones, Popcorn Panic races, live music, a beer tent and a parade.  The festival began in 1979 as a way to salute Valparaiso, Indiana-native Orville Redenbacher and his popcorn.