Index

Lillian's Law (Dangerous Dog Liability)

Summary

Dog owners can be charged with a felony if their dog causes serious bodily injury or death in an unprovoked attack outside the dog's secure enclosure.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    You are protected from liability if the person bitten was trespassing on your property.
  • 02.
    You are protected if the dog was provoked by the person it attacked.

Penalties

  • 01.
    Third-degree felony (2 to 10 years in prison) if the attack causes serious bodily injury.
  • 02.
    Second-degree felony (up to 20 years in prison) if the attack causes death.

Verified Citations

Texas Health and Safety Code § 822.005

Source
"A person commits an offense if the person is the owner of a dog and the dog makes an unprovoked attack on another person that occurs at a location other than the owner's real property."