Iowa dog liability for owners of strong dogs

Iowa is a statutory liability state, so a first bite is not free.

German Shepherd resting its chin on a smooth floor

01What section 351.28 says

Iowa Code section 351.28 says the owner of a dog is liable to an injured party for all damages done by the dog when the dog is attacking or attempting to bite a person, or is caught worrying, maiming or killing a domestic animal, except when the injured party is doing an unlawful act directly contributing to the injury. It also excepts damage by a dog with hydrophobia unless the owner had reasonable grounds to know of it.

02How courts apply it

The dogbitelaw.com summary of Iowa dog bite law quotes Iowa cases holding legal dog owners absolutely liable regardless of negligence or knowledge of the dog's propensity, and says the only defense in the statute is the doing of an unlawful act.

What it means for buyersThe cost of a mistake lands on the owner whether or not the owner was careful. That makes fencing, training and insurance part of the price of a strong dog. Ask an Iowa attorney how this applies to you.

03Reporting a bite

Iowa Code chapter 351 (section 351.38) makes it the owner's duty to report to local health or law enforcement officials when a dog has bitten or attacked a person.

04Insurance and housing

Tell your insurer what dog is coming and read your lease or association rules first. State law does not override either.

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