Macau · Public legal Q&A · AI LLM
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Who is liable for a dog bite?

Under the Animal Protection Law and the Civil Code, the keeper of an animal is liable for damage it causes; intentional or negligent keeping may increase liability.

Macau follows a strict-liability rule for animal-caused damage: (1) under Article 4 of the Animal Protection Law, the keeper is liable for damage caused by their animal regardless of fault; (2) liability may be reduced if the victim contributed through their own intentional or negligent conduct; (3) if the keeper knowingly failed to restrain a dangerous animal (no leash, no muzzle), they may also face administrative penalties under the Animal Protection Law (fines, animal seizure). Victims should preserve medical receipts, diagnosis certificates, and scene photos, then pursue civil proceedings for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Sources

  • 第4/2016號法律《動物保護法》第4條
  • 《民法典》第477條至第492條(動物造成之損害)