Wisconsin Dog Law
Liability Statute
A dog owner is liable for damages caused by his or her dog. In addition to civil liability, the owner is subject to a fine of up to $500. When a dog makes a second or subsequent attack, the owner faces liability for twice the full amount of damages caused by the dog, as well as a fine of up to $1,000. When determining damages, any fault on the part of the injured person is taken into account. In cases where the owner was notified or knew that the dog previously injured a person, domestic animal, or property, the owner is liable for two times the amount of damages.
Common Law Liability
In order to recover damages for a dog bite under the common law, the injured person must prove that the owner's negligence caused the injury.
Dangerous Dog Statute
Wisconsin does not have a Dangerous Dog Statute.
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