blog home Dog Bites Laying Down the “Leash” Law in Omaha

Laying Down the “Leash” Law in Omaha

By Jason Bottlinger on July 17, 2017

When you decide to become a pet owner, probably the first thing you think about is the companionship and the unconditional love.

But do you think about pet laws?

Responsibility for a pet goes further than taking your pet out for walks, training it, and making sure it has all the right shots.

As a pet owner, you are liable for anything your pet does. It is up to you to ensure that any aggressive behavior is corrected early on. It’s also a good idea to know the laws in your area that pertains to pets, so you are up-to-date with any new ordinances.

Omaha Leash Law

Dogs in Omaha are required to be on a leash or confined in a yard at all times. Cats are currently not required to wear a leash; however, dogs and cats that do not have a microchip must wear collars and tags at all times.

If your dog is on a tether in your yard, it cannot be left unattended for more than 15 minutes.  If an adult (age 19 or older) is with the dog, it can be tethered while the adult is present. The tether should be at least five times as long as the dog and provide enough flexibility so the dog can roam freely while outside.  The tether cannot weigh more than one-eighth the weight of the dog.

If you are the owner of a pit bull or pit mix, the dog must also wear a muzzle and be accompanied by a person over the age of 19 while outside the yard. If the dog is in a securely fenced area, then the muzzle is not needed.

When Are You Liable?

If your dog bites someone, you are liable for any injuries caused during the attack (although you may not be held liable if the person was a trespasser). Be sure to keep all homeowners insurance and all other relevant insurance active—in the event that your dog does attack someone, you’re less likely to pay all of the loss out of pocket.

Biting is more likely when a dog is not trained properly. It is easier to handle behavior issues before they become habits. Spay or neuter your dog; socialize, train, and teach your dog that aggressive behavior is unacceptable even when playing. These are all ways to reduce your financial risk.

If you need legal advice for an incident regarding your dog, give Bottlinger Law L.L.C. a call at (402) 505-8234 for a free consultation.

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Posted in: Dog Bites

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