H 183 Vermont House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An act relating to strict liability for damages caused by domestic dogs

H 183 creates strict liability for dog owners whose pets cause injury, meaning owners are responsible for damages regardless of whether they knew their dog was dangerous or had prior warning. The bill applies when a dog injures someone in public or on private property lawfully entered, directly affecting dog owners, injured individuals, and municipalities handling complaints. Key provisions include exceptions for injuries during police/military dog work, trespassing, provocation, or secure confinement. It amends Vermont law to replace negligence-based liability with this strict standard, effective July 1, 2025.
Bill status introduced 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 11, 2025 Last action Feb 11, 2025
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Feb 11, 2025
Introduced
Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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Legislator
Party
State
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P
Photo of Josh Dobrovich
Josh Dobrovich
RRepublican
VT
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