Defining Harboring or Keeping

Harboring is defined as sheltering, lodging or giving refuge to a dog.  Keeping is defined as harboring a dog for a limited time or purpose.  Keeping for secondary ownership under the dog bite statute involves:

• temporary responsibility
• a voluntary acceptance
• management, control or care of the dog
• exercising a manner similar to that of the dog’s primary legal owner

Minn. Stat. Ann. sec. 347.22: Damages, owner liable.

If a dog, without provocation, attacks or injures any person who is acting peaceably in any place where the person may lawfully be, the owner of the dog is liable in damages to the person so attacked or injured to the full amount of the injury sustained. The term “owner” includes any person harboring or keeping a dog but the owner shall be primarily liable. The term “dog” includes both male and female of the canine species.

If you hire someone to take care of your dog while you are on vacation and that caretaker suffers an injury (e.g. dog jerks your arm while on a walk) then the caretaker can sue the owner of the dog for any injuries sustained while the dog was in the caretaker’s temporary ownership.

If you have suffered from a dog bite or dog-related injury, it is important to seek legal advice immediately to understand your rights.  Our attorneys at Tarshish Cody have the necessary dog bite experience and we are well qualified to help you with your case.  We welcome your call on 612-808-8999 (or fill out the free Case Evaluation Form) to learn more about your case and how we can help.

Attorneys Practicing In This Area

Benjamin Tarshish

Kyle Kosieracki

Staff Supporting This Area

Traci Vercande

Julie Rosales