Montana Dog Law

Liability Statute

Under this statute, the owner of any dog that bites any person, without provocation, is liable for damages, regardless of the dog’s former viciousness or the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s viciousness, so longs as the bite occurred while the injured person was on public property or lawfully on private property, as long as the property is located within an incorporated city or town.

Vicious Dog Statute

The Meaning of a “Vicious Dog”

A “vicious dog” is:

• a dog that, without provocation, bites or attempts to bite any person; or
• a dog that harasses, chases, bites, or attempts to bite any other domestic pet or any livestock animal.

Legal Responsibilities/Liability of Dog Owners

Each county in Montana has the power to enact laws regarding the regulation of vicious dogs, as well as the owners’ responsibilities.

Back to state dog law map

Get Answers to Your Questions:

• Do you have a case? Find out how we determine if you have a dog bite case.
• Do you need a lawyer? Don’t go it alone. See how hiring a lawyer gets you a better outcome.
• How much will it cost? You pay nothing unless we win money for you.