As a personal injury lawyer in Kansas City, we handle many dog bite cases. Because of this, we have become intimately familiar with the city’s leash laws. Under the doctrine of negligence per se, dog owners can be liable to pay money compensation for injuries their dogs cause if they get loose. Oddly, enough, the same ordinance requiring dogs be kept contained, also requires Vietnamese potbellied pigs be kept confined.
What Are Kansas City’s Leash Laws for Pet Pigs?
The ordinance, Section 14-33, states, “It shall be unlawful for any person owning, keeping or harboring any dog or Vietnamese potbellied pig to permit, suffer or allow the dog or Vietnamese potbellied pig to run at large within the city.” The ordinance was initially enacted in 1967 and pertained only to dogs. However, it was amended in 2015 to add Vietnamese potbellied pigs.
Why Vietnamese Potbellied Pigs Were Added to Kansas City Law
The ordinance was amended because a person was cited by Kansas City Animal Control for walking her pet pig on the sidewalk. The City’s laws at the time prohibited pigs as pets, but the owner advocated for change. It worked. But in addition to amending the City’s laws to allow for pigs as pets, the City also took the prudent step of ensuring such pets were not allowed to roam free.
Injured by an Animal in Kansas City? Contact MRH Law
If you live in Kansas City and find yourself the victim of a vicious pig attack, you may have the right to money compensation for your injuries. I know this will probably never happen, but it’s good to know these victims will have the right to get their damages paid for by the pig owner. We’ve never handled a pig attack case and may never handle one, but if you have questions about the law or your rights, we can answer them. Contact MRH Law today.
More Resources
The Importance of Leash Laws in Dog Bite Cases
Three Common Problems with Dog Bite Cases
What to Do If You’ve Been Bitten by a Dog – Understanding Your Legal Rights