Hansen v. Sipe

Vera and Arthur Hansen brought this action against Steven and Kay Sipe when the Sipes' German shepherd bit Mrs. Hansen as she walked along a Burlington Northern Railroad right of way abutting the Sipes' unfenced property. The Hansens appeal from a summary judgment dismissing their complaint.

The issue on appeal concerns the proper interpretation of RCW 16.08.040-.050. RCW 16.08.040 provides:

Liability for dog bites. The owner of any dog which shall bite any person while such person is in or on a public place or lawfully in or on a private place including the property of the owner of such dog,…