Owners of animals that are known to be potentially dangerous are usually aware that if their animal causes an injury, they will most likely be held responsible. In a recent case, homeowners found that their failure to prevent their dog from causing harm proved costly, as it attacked a delivery man as he posted a card through their letterbox.
The man had tried to deliver a parcel but, having received no answer when he knocked at the door, put a card through the letterbox and the dog bit him, causing an injury to one of his fingers.
It may be thought reasonable enough restraint to have a dog locked indoors during the day, but the homeowners' failure to take steps to prevent what was a foreseeable injury in what are common circumstances left them liable for compensation for the delivery man's injury.
In a second case involving harm caused by a dog, an employee of Domino's Pizza secured compensation after she was injured while working.
The woman was delivering pizza to a property when the dog ran out and attacked her. It bit her on her left leg, causing wounds which left a scar.
She brought a personal injury claim against the owner of the dog and was awarded damages for her injuries.