Am I liable if my dog bites someone?
Yes: the owner is liable for damage caused by the dog, even without fault. Article 1375 of the Civil Code establishes the owner's strict liability: whoever owns or uses an animal is liable, independent of any fault, for the damage caused by the animal, even if it escaped from their care. You don't have to prove the owner made a mistake — liability exists by the simple fact that the animal caused the injury. The victim has 3 years from the injury to claim compensation in court and can recover medical costs, loss of income and moral damages. Liability falls on whoever has custody of the animal at the moment of the damage (could be the owner or someone you entrusted it to). Besides civil liability, the act can also bring a fine, and in serious cases, criminal liability.
📋 The rules
- Owner's strict liability (art. 1375 Civil Code)
- No need to prove the owner's fault
- Whoever has custody at that moment is liable
- The victim: 3 years to claim in court
- Recoverable: medical costs, income, moral damages
🔓 Exceptions
- Custody entrusted to someone else: the one with effective control is liable
- Force majeure or the victim's act: can reduce/exclude liability
- Dangerous dogs: extra duties (muzzle, insurance)
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Besides civil liability (compensation for medical costs, loss of income and moral damages — courts have awarded large sums in serious cases), a dog bite or attack can also bring a contravention fine, usually between 500 and 2,000 lei, applied by local or national police. If the bite causes bodily injury through negligence, the owner can be criminally liable, with a fine or imprisonment of 3 months to 1 year, if healing needs medical care over 90 days. To prevent problems: keep the dog on a leash (and with a muzzle if needed), supervise it, ensure a well-fenced yard and, for dangerous breeds, observe the special duties (registration, insurance). Prevention is the best protection, for others and for you.
📎 Official sources
- Civil Code · art. 1375 (liability for animals) →
- GEO 55/2002 on the regime of dangerous dogs →
- Penal Code · bodily injury through negligence →
❓ Frequently asked
Am I liable if my dog bites someone?
Yes. Under art. 1375 of the Civil Code, the owner is strictly liable, independent of any fault, for the damage caused by the animal, even if it escaped from their care. You don't have to prove you made a mistake — liability exists by the simple fact that the animal injured a person.
What can a bite victim claim?
The victim has 3 years from the injury to claim compensation in court and can recover medical costs, loss of income and moral damages through a single civil action. In serious cases, with mutilation or documented trauma, courts have awarded significant moral damages.
Who is liable if I left the dog with someone?
Liability usually falls on whoever has custody of the animal at the moment of the damage — the person exercising effective control. If you left your dog with a friend and it bit someone, liability can fall on that person, for the time the animal was in their care.
Can I be criminally punished if my dog bites someone?
Yes, in serious cases. If the bite causes bodily injury through negligence, the owner can be criminally liable, with a fine or imprisonment of 3 months to 1 year, if healing needs medical care over 90 days. On top of this, a contravention fine can also apply.
How can I prevent a bite?
Keep the dog on a leash, and if the breed requires it, with a muzzle; supervise it carefully in public and ensure a well-fenced yard. For dangerous breeds, observe the special duties, such as registration and insurance. Prevention protects both you and those around you from serious consequences.
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