Minnesota dog liability for owners of powerful dogs
One short statute does most of the work, and it leans toward the injured person.
The liability rule
Minnesota Statutes 347.22 says that if a dog, without provocation, attacks or injures a person acting peaceably in any place the person may lawfully be, the owner is liable in damages for the full amount of the injury. The term owner includes anyone harboring or keeping the dog, though the owner stays primarily liable.
What courts do with it
The dogbitelaw.com summary of the Minnesota statute says Minnesota courts treat the statute as strict liability, that comparative fault is not a defense, and that provocation is the owner's main defense. It also notes that someone who takes temporary charge of a dog, such as a groomer, may not be able to sue under the statute.
Dangerous dogs
Minnesota Statutes 347.50 to 347.56 set the state framework for dogs declared potentially dangerous or dangerous, and local rules build on it. Olmsted County, for example, requires a collar tag issued under section 347.51 for a dangerous dog.
Insurance and housing
Call your insurer before the dog comes home and read your lease or association rules. Neither is overridden by state law.
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