HI SB2049

Dog owners are liable for damages when their dog attacks livestock, poultry, dogs, or cats on public property or private property without the owner's consent.

The liability standard changed from "injures or destroys" to "without provocation attacks," and owners must pay for injuries or damage caused by the attacking dog.

Dog owners must confine or destroy an attacking dog, and failure to do so results in liability for trial costs and penalties under section 142-12 if further damage occurs.

Any person may destroy an attacking dog if the owner neglects or refuses to confine or destroy it after causing damage.

Owners of animals that cause injury or property damage while defending themselves against an attack by another animal are exempt from liability under this statute.