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new York pet owners listen up a recent
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court decision has just changed the game
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when it comes to your legal
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responsibilities the state's highest
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court has ruled that pet owners can now
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be held liable for injuries caused by
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their animals even if the pet has never
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shown aggressive behavior before this
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groundbreaking decision stems from a
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case involving Rebecca Flanders a postal
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worker who suffered severe injuries from
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an attack by an unrestrained 70B dog the
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attack left her with permanent scars and
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required multiple surgeries previously
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New York followed what was essentially a
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one free bite rule pet owners were only
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held responsible if they knew their pet
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had dangerous tendencies but now that's
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all changed the court has introduced
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negligence as a factor in pet related
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injury cases this means you could be
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held legally responsible if someone gets
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hurt because of your pet even if your
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furry friend has never shown any signs
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of aggression before the key here is
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taking reasonable precautions to prevent
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harm so what does this mean for you as a
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pet owner it's not just about dogs with
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a history of biting anymore even if you
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have the friendliest Labrador in the
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world you could still face a lawsuit if
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you haven't taken proper safety measures
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this applies to all pets not just dogs
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if you have a cat that likes to escape
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or a parrot that nips at visitors you
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need to be aware of your
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responsibilities the ripple effects of
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this decision are already being felt in
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the insurance and legal worlds insurance
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companies are preparing for more claims
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considering that dog related injuries
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alone cost US insurance providers $1.6
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billion last year with negligence now a
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factor in New York's liability rules
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that number could increase
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significantly but don't panic being a
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responsible pet owner is about being
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proactive here are some steps you can
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take to protect yourself and others
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secure your space by ensuring your yard
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is properly fenced and gates are latched
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always use a leash in public areas even
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for well-behaved dogs invest time in
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training and socializing your pets and
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check your insurance coverage to make
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sure your policy includes liability
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coverage for pets this court decision
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brings New York in line with other
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states that already apply negligent
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standards to pet owners it's a reminder
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that pet ownership comes with serious
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responsibilities by taking the right
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precautions you can enjoy the
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companionship of your pets while
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minimizing the risk of legal troubles
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the one free bite rule is a thing of the
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past in New York as pet owners it's time
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to adapt to this new reality and ensure
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we're doing everything we can to keep
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our pets and our communities safe
