Teen’s Life Forever Changed After Vicious Dog Pack Attack Raises Complex Legal Questions in California

Property owners who rent to tenants with multiple dogs may also face direct liability if they knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to take appropriate action. Landlords have a duty to maintain safe premises, and allowing tenants to keep numerous unleashed dogs could constitute a breach of this obligation.

Municipal Liability and Public Safety Failures

Local government entities may bear significant responsibility if they were aware of previous incidents involving these dogs or the dangerous conditions at the property. Cities and counties have established animal control departments specifically to address public safety threats posed by dangerous animals.

If Newberry Springs officials received prior complaints about these dogs, witnessed previous aggressive behavior, or failed to enforce local leash laws and animal control ordinances, they could face liability under Government Code Section 815.2 for failing to exercise due care in protecting public safety.