my yorky is gated and chained in the yard is it my fault if someone comes within his reach and gets bitten?

Answer 1

Maybe - say like if a child sticks his fingers through the fence and gets bitten. Yes, you could be liable. If someone enters your property, then no.

DON'T put up a BEWARE OF DOG sign. That implies that you know the dog is dangerous and you can be held more liable. Just put up a sign that says DOG IN YARD - KEEP GATE CLOSED or DO NOT ENTER.

Answer 2

Yes. Even if you had a sign up that says "Beware of Dog" and someone gets bitten, you are at fault. I had Pitbull's at one time, and I asked the City about having the "Beware of Dog" sign up, they said it did not matter. The dog(s) are your responsibility to see that no one ever gets bitten. But, I have a question for you. Why do you have a Yorkie chained up in the yard? I hope this is only temporary for when he's got to go potty. All dogs no matter the size should be walked at least 30 minutes a day. Dogs are made of energy, and they need to walk to expell some of this energy. Letting a dog run around in the yard with a ball does not take the place of this daily walk. I often wonder too why people get dogs just to leave them outside (tied) up in the yard. Didn't you get the dog to be your "friend, companion"? Please if you keep your Yorkie out all the time, find it in your heart to bring him in once in awhile. All dogs need socializing. Remember they come from "packs". Dogs in the wild always ran in packs. Our domesticated dogs still have that instinct, to be a part of a pack. You are your Yorkies pack. Yes, even one dog makes up a pack with it's human. You wanted this Yorkie, so take the responsibility upon yourself to meet his/her needs. And don't forget that daily walk. Thank you.

Answer 3

Unless you have a sign that says, "do not enter" you are liable for any injury caused by your dog in most states...
If your gate is locked, and someone enters over the fence, you are not liable.

It doesn't seem fair, but Jehovah's Witnesses sue all the time for this..Even if your dog jumps up in a friendly manner and knocks a person down, you are liable for any injury, such as a sprain or broken hip, unless you have the 'Do not enter' sign.

Never put up a sign that says, Beware of Dog...if a person, especially a child, gets bitten, that shows that you knew you had a dangerous dog.

Normal people are not trespassers if they enter your yard, unless you have a 'keep out' kind of sign.
I mounted a bell at the gate, and put up a sign that said "Do Not Enter-Ring Bell"

Answer 4

if the dog was chained and if you had some kind of sign or something saying that there's a dog living there, then it'll be the person's fault for entering after knowing that there's a dog in there, but if the dog keeps biting him nonstop and if your watching this and not doing anything about it, then it could be your fault or the person's fault because you would be th dog's owner just watching this happen, and the person isn't running away, so it's really hard to say who's fault it really is, if you don't realize that the dog is doing this and the man doesn't run away or even try then it'll be the man's fault.

Answer 5

As long as your pet is on your property and has a fence or is chained anyone who comes in could be trespassing. Please DO NOT put a sign on the gate that says beware of dog or anything remotely close to that. Doing so is admitting that your dog may bite and is an invitation for a lawsuit. That way the only way anyone could press suit against you is if your dog got loose and bit someone.

Answer 6

So long as you also have a sign out side of your yard stating you have a guard dog also I'd say that its the fools fault who decides to enter at his own risk.
You should not have to also put a muzzle on the animal if he is chained within his own yard as its just cruel in the heat of the summer. An animal should be allowed to do has he pleases on his own ground, especially if it is his job to protect even if he doesn't understand when to draw the line.

Answer 7

I've been bitten by a Yorkie before ... had to laugh it off.
I don't think there are many people in the world who took flack because their Yorkie bit someone. They generally don't bite unless they feel threatened, and they're small dogs that don't hurt much.

Answer 8

I would think not its not like the dog is loose in the neighborhood if they come into your yard then it is their fault

Answer 9

No, it shouldn't be at all. Put up a sign though. Just in case someone takes it to court. ; )

Answer 10

Heck no, thats ur property and strangers shouldn't be on it, as long as ur dog stays in ur yard ur fine and they cant sue.