Quick Tip: Liability Differences in Animal Ownership

Owners of wild animals, such as lions or bears, are held strictly liable for any injuries these animals cause, regardless of whether they are kept as pets.

Conversely, the owners of domestic animals, including farm animals and livestock (like llamas, pictured alongside my son at Cub Creek Science Camp), are typically not held strictly liable for injuries these animals cause. However, an exception exists if the owner is aware of the animal's unusually dangerous tendencies, even if the animal has not previously harmed anyone.

Additionally, some states have enacted specific "dog bite" statutes that impose strict liability for injuries caused by dogs, without requiring prior knowledge of the dog's dangerous nature. If this is the case, the bar exam fact pattern will have to identify and describe the relevant statute.