Iowa Dog Bite Laws

Iowa’s dog bite statute, Iowa Code § 351.28, imposes strict liability upon dog owners. This means that victims are not required to prove that the dog had a history of aggression towards others. They must only prove that the owner’s dog attempted to attack or bite them, and the attack or bite resulted in physical injury. There are certain narrow exceptions that shield owners from liability, including situations where the victim was committing a crime that directly contributed to the dog attack (for example, trespassing), or where the dog had rabies. In the latter case, victims can recover damages only by pursuing a negligence claim, under which the owner can be found liable only if it is shown that they knew their dog had rabies and failed to get them treatment in time.