There are many insurance companies that refuse to issue homeowners’ coverage when the property owner keeps certain breeds of dogs on the property.
In other cases, the insurance company may charge a premium if the property owner wants to keep certain breeds.
In theory, insurance companies base their rates on statistics, which would mean that the fact companies are uncomfortable with certain dog breeds suggests those types of dogs in fact bite and significantly injure people more frequently.
When they are allowed to do so, insurance companies most frequently shy away from pit bulls, Rottweilers and Dobermans. They also strongly disfavor Chow Chows and so-called wolf dogs, that is, dogs that have been cross bred with a wolf.
Interestingly, under half of insurance carriers restrict German Shepherds. Just over 1 in 3 insurance companies restrict huskies.
Minnesota’s dangerous dog laws do not consider breeding
Like insurance companies, many municipalities, landlords and private HOAs may try to prevent residents of North Dakota and Minnesota from keeping a breed of dog they perceive as dangerous.
However, others, including the State of Minnesota, take a different approach. Under Minnesota’s laws, it is the behavior and history of a dog that makes the dog dangerous or potentially dangerous.
The reality is that any dog can bite a person and cause a serious injury. There are many factors which determine whether a dog will bite.
A dog owner can do a lot to prevent bites by properly caring for and training their pets. They also can make sure their dog is properly restrained and supervised and can warn others if the dog tends to bite.
When owners fail in these important responsibilities, people, including children who may not know how to handle a dog, can get seriously hurt. Injuries can also include permanent scarring as well as emotional trauma.
It is only fair that owners assume legal responsibility for these injuries.
Victims of dog bites in the Fargo area and surrounding communities may have legal options to pursue compensation from careless or thoughtless dog owners.