Animal Injury Claims

Injuries caused by a dog bite or other animal attack can be very serious and traumatic. People can be physically scarred and can also suffer psychological problems for life, such as developing a fear of animals or not wanting to go out alone.

Animal owners and keepers are responsible for ensuring that their animals don't cause injury to others. The Dangerous Dogs Act also requires owners of some breeds of dog to keep them muzzled when in public, while guard dogs must have an experienced handler and a warning notice about them.

Most animal attacks are from dogs, but other domesticated animals - including ferrets, birds and cats - can also bite or injure people.

Most attacks are on children, and animal bites are a leading cause of children's emergency admissions to hospital.

Claims for attacks by dogs are usually only allowed if the dog has displayed previous signs of aggression.