Dangerous dog laws, including the dog bite law, vary from state to state, with different definitions and outcomes for owners.
In New Hampshire, dangerous dog laws are primarily governed by state statutes, specifically RSA 466:31. A dog may be deemed dangerous if it has, without provocation, caused injury to a person or domestic animal, or has acted in a manner that poses a threat to public safety. New Hampshire's dog bite law, RSA 466:19, holds the owner or keeper of a dog liable for damages if the dog causes personal injury not provoked by the injured party. This is a strict liability statute, meaning that the owner is responsible regardless of whether they knew the dog had the propensity to cause harm. Additionally, local ordinances may also have regulations pertaining to dangerous dogs. Owners of dogs deemed dangerous may face various requirements such as registration, confinement, or mandatory insurance, and in severe cases, dogs may be ordered to be euthanized.