List of Dangerous Animals for Strict Liability

Strict liability in reference to animals means that the owner of the animal is responsible for damages and injuries that result from the owned animal, whether the damages are intentional, unintentional or through negligence of the owner. Strict liability laws for dangerous animals are enforced in city, state and federal levels. A dangerous animal is defined as any animal that is not naturally tame, and capable of inflicting harm or injury to humans and domestic animals. Because of the nature of such animals, most states and cities have similar laws, while all states must follow federal laws.

  1. Exotic Animals

    • Parana, shark, alligator and crocodile of any species are considered dangerous by all states and relatively few (if any) states allow for private individuals to own any of these animals. Great cats, lynx, bobcats and any member of the Felidae family, which includes ocelots, are prohibited from being owned by private individuals in states like Missouri and Minnesota because of the potential danger of these animals to humans. Primate and monkey species such as chimpanzees are also carefully monitored.

    Wild Animals

    • Small wild animals can also cause harm to humans as well as damage property. Some small wildlife species that are prohibited in some states are raccoons and skunks. Wolves, coyotes, dingoes and any dog crosses with one or more of these wild dog species are considered dangerous and prohibited by many states, making them especially susceptible to strictly-enforced liability laws. Venomous snakes, weasels and badgers are also considered dangerous animals, which places them into the dangerous liability category.

    Domestic Animals

    • Some domestic animals such as bull terrier breeds have received so much negative attention because of bites, many cities strictly enforce strict liability laws and have special public safety regulations for owners to follow as well. For example; the American Staffordshire Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier must be confined in a locked cage during transport or wear a properly-fitting leash and muzzle in Kirksville, Missouri.

    Considerations

    • According to the boundaries of strict liability laws, an animal does not have to be listed as dangerous to be susceptible to strict liability laws. In other words, a domestic animal can become dangerous and, in that case, strict liability laws apply to the owner of the animal as well as the animal.