Passers-by pin hopes on draft that seeks greater liability on pet owners

One of the provisions of the draft civil code, to be deliberated upon during the upcoming two sessions, stipulates special liability for pet owners whose pets cause damage to others.

According to the draft, if a pet harms others because the owner failed to take due precautions－such as using a dog leash or vaccinating the pet－the owner should take responsibility.

The pet owners' liability can be reduced if it can be proved that the victim provoked the pet to harm him or her. However, if pet owners keep fierce and aggressive dogs, legal experts say the liability on the owners can, at best, only be reduced, even if the victims themselves had provoked the pets into attacking them.

The injuries caused by pet attacks have become a serious social problem, often leading to serious conflicts between pet owners and those their pets attack. Citizens are increasingly getting annoyed with pets and pet owners because of some uncivilized behavior, such as people walking their dogs unleashed or allowing the pets to defecate in public but not cleaning up.

Reports of unleashed pets causing innocent passers-by or children serious injury have evoked widespread anger in the past. In the absence of a clear regulation, pet owners have been able to evade the responsibility they should be taking for the damage their pets cause. Those at the receiving end, too, face difficulties safeguarding their legal rights and interests.

The proposed measures allocating greater responsibility to pet owners have been welcomed by many. Many citizens see the draft as a legal weapon to safeguard their rights and interests if they are harmed by someone else's pet. It would also prove to be a legal warning to pet owners, reminding them that they should take responsibility for the damage and/or injury their pets cause to others. It will also force them to improve their behavior when stepping out with their pets, while also guaranteeing the safety of other people.

Once such measures are implemented and fewer pets cause harm to other people, the public's attitude toward pets and pet owners will change, making it conducive for the protection of animals and ensuring social harmony.