Arnold v. Laird

This case is concerned with common law liability of the owner of an animal which injures a person. The Court of Appeals held there was no negligence cause of action. We affirm.

The Arnolds, plaintiffs, and the Lairds, defendants, were neighbors. Debrah Arnold climbed on the cyclone fence which separated their yards. Blanket, the Lairds' Great Dane, ran to the fence and either bit or clawed at Debbie's face causing disfiguring injuries.

Insofar as pertinent, plaintiffs' complaint read:

On or about the 17th day of May, 1976, the dog owned by the defendants attacked said Debrah Arnold. Such animal…