Guard Dogs in Arizona: Can You Be Held Criminally Responsible for Injuries?
In Arizona there are no laws that prevent you from keeping a guard dog. However, you can be held liable for your dog’s actions if they bite someone. The responsibility for injuries from guard dogs falls on their owners. Not only can you be sued in civil court, you could also be facing criminal charges. Here’s how the state of Arizona deals with dog bite cases, and why you need legal representation
There May Be Criminal Charges If Your Dog Bites Someone
While it is true that there is no law banning guard dogs in Arizona, dog owners are legally responsible for their dog’s actions. Aggressive dogs must be contained and controlled—if they get loose or attack someone, their owners could end up in court.
Arizona has several laws that pertain to guard dogs:
- Dogs are not allowed to roam at large.
- Dogs must be leashed when off the owner’s property.
- Aggressive and potentially dangerous dogs must be controlled or confined at all times, even on private property.
- Homes and properties that have an aggressive animal must post signage.
Failure to follow these rules can result in misdemeanor charges, fines, and fees. The class of misdemeanor depends on the action; for example, failure to restrain a vicious dog from biting on public property is a class 1 misdemeanor. This can result in 180 days in jail and fines up to $2,500. If there are any injuries or deaths in the case, secondary charges could be filed, some of which could even be felonies! Consulting with a criminal defense lawyer is important if facing charges.
Across the country, there have been cases where a dog was considered a “dangerous weapon.” In Arizona, using a dangerous weapon during the commission of a crime can change a misdemeanor charge into a felony. One example would be if a person directs or threatens to have their dog attack in an attempt to force an action.
Service Dogs Are Not Exempt
A growing number of people in Arizona are training dogs for protection. While important for certain situations, guard dogs are not the same as service dogs. They do not have the same training, and are not given the same rights, like the ability to enter all establishments.
However, not even service dogs are exempt from being labeled as dangerous or vicious if they harm another person. Neither are their owners exempt from criminal charges if their dog harms someone.
Criminal Defense Attorney Available in Arizona
If you are facing criminal charges because of your dog, it is important to hire a capable defense attorney. The Arizona legal system is complicated, and navigating it requires a great deal of knowledge and expertise. You’ll need an attorney who will fight for your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case.
Here at Van Norman Law Firm, we know how stressful a criminal charge can be. That is why we work hard to maintain our reputation for providing the best representation available. Find out for yourself why we’re better than the rest—contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (3/31/25). Photo by Don Agnello on Unsplash.