Starling v. Davis

Jordan, Presiding Judge.

The plaintiff seeks to recover for personal injuries from a dog bite inflicted by the defendant’s German shepherd dog as she was entering the defendant’s place of business. The defendant appeals from the denial of summary judgment. Held:

1. An owner of a domestic animal who allows it to go at liberty is liable under Code § 105-110 to one who sustains injury as a result of the vicious or dangerous tendency of the animal only in the event he knows of its vicious or dangerous character. To support a recovery the plaintiff must show either actual or constructive knowledge…