Leashing dogs is mandatory: failure to do so means strict liability for any harm caused (you must pay compensation regardless of fault), and the obligation extends fully

30. Leashing dogs is mandatory: failure to do so means strict liability for any harm caused (you must pay compensation regardless of fault), and the obligation extends fully

Cost: A leash costs just a few dollars. The real challenge is remembering to use it every single time you take your dog outside.

In plain terms: If a dog injures someone, the owner is generally required to pay compensation, no matter how much fault they bear. Only when it can be proven that the injured party acted intentionally or with gross negligence might the compensation amount be reduced or waived. However, if the owner violated regulations by not using a leash, the sole remaining defense — “intentional conduct by the injured party” — is effectively eliminated; failing to leash a dog shuts off this one last avenue for reducing liability. For owners of prohibited aggressive breeds, there are absolutely no legal grounds for exemption from compensation.

Benefit: When a pet causes injury to another person, its owner or the person supervising it at the time bears legal liability for compensation. Only if it can be demonstrated that the injured individual deliberately provoked the animal or displayed gross negligence may the compensation obligation be lessened or voided. Yet, if safety measures mandated by law were ignored — such as neglecting to use a leash — the sole remaining mitigating factor, “intentional conduct by the injured party,” no longer applies. Not using a leash thus eliminates this sole chance to reduce liability. In the case of prohibited aggressive breeds, there is absolutely no legal basis for exemption from compensation.

Evidence grade: A

Sources: National People's Congress (2020). Civil Code. Supreme People's Procuratorate of China Reprinted in full. <https://www.spp.gov.cn/spp/fl/202006/t20200602_463888.shtml> Article 1245: "If the raised animals cause damage to others, the animal keeper or manager shall bear tort liability; However, if it can be proved that the damage was caused intentionally or by gross negligence, the liability may be waived or reduced. "Article 1,246: "If a person violates management regulations and fails to take safety measures for animals and causes damage to others, the animal breeder or manager shall bear tort liability; however, if it can be proven that the damage was caused intentionally by the infringed person, the liability may be reduced. "Article 1,247: "If dangerous animals such as violent dogs that are prohibited cause damage to others, the animal breeder or manager shall bear tort liability." Article 1,249: If abandoned or escaped animals cause damage during this period, the original breeder or manager shall bear the liability

Notes: Compensation for dog bites typically covers medical costs, lost wages, rabies vaccinations, and immunoglobulin treatments; amounts exceeding $10000 are common. Higher figures apply when injuries are severe or involve children. Failure to intervene does not absolve liability: owners remain responsible even if their dog runs away or is abandoned during an attack. Appropriate post-bite actions are outlined in Section 13.