# Dog bite? The owner can answer for it.

> An owner who knowingly or negligently fails to take enough care with an animal in his possession, to guard against probable danger to life or of grievous hurt, commits an offence under section 289 PPC. If someone sets a dog on you on purpose, courts treat it as hurt, not negligence (2022 MLD 744).

- Topic: Criminal law
- For: Citizens
- A 12-slide carousel: https://failegal.site/media/dog-bite-the-owner-can-answer-for-it
- Published by FAI Legal on 2026-10-19

## Myth or fact?

What people often think.

- **Myth: A dog bite is just bad luck.**
- **Fact: An owner who knowingly or negligently fails to guard against the danger from his animal commits an offence (PPC s.289).**

## The law.

Section 289, PPC.

> "Whoever, knowingly or negligently omits to take such order with any animal in his possession as is sufficient to guard against any probable danger to human life, or any probable danger of grievous hurt from such animal, shall be punished ..." (Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 289)

## Three questions.

What section 289 looks at.

- **Possession** Was the animal in his possession?
- **Care** Did he take enough care to guard against the danger?
- **Danger** Probable danger to human life, or of grievous hurt.

## Quick quiz. On purpose.

Guess first, then swipe for the answer.

- **A. Only s.289, negligence**
- **B. The hurt sections, like s.337-F**
- **C. Nothing, the dog did it**

## Answer: B. The dog was the weapon.

2022 MLD 744, Lahore High Court.

- **The facts** The accused set his dog on the complainant, who was bitten on the leg.
- **The law** Not an accident, so s.289 did not apply. The case stayed under s.337-F(i) and (iii).
- **The result** Pre-arrest bail was refused.

## Careless or deliberate?

Two very different cases.

- **Careless** Dog left loose, no chain or care: section 289.
- **Deliberate** Dog used to attack: hurt under s.337-F (2022 MLD 744).

## How serious?

Section 289 and Schedule II, CrPC.

- **Punishment** Up to 6 months, or fine, or both.
- **Arrest** Police may arrest without warrant.
- **Bail** Bailable. Not compoundable. Tried by any Magistrate.

## After a bite.

Do these first.

- **Treatment** See a doctor at once and keep every medical paper.
- **Record** Whose dog, where, when, and who saw it.
- **Report** Go to the police station with the facts.

## Own a dog?

The duty is yours.

- **Guard** Take enough care to guard against probable danger (s.289).
- **Chain and gate** A loose dog in the street is the risk the section is about.

## Bitten or blamed?

Ask FAI in your own words. It answers with the exact section and the judgments behind it.

- **My neighbour's dog bit my son in the street. Can I file a case?**
- **What is the punishment under section 289 PPC?**

## Sources

- Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 289: Negligent conduct with respect to animal

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Educational legal information, not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts. Speak to a qualified lawyer about your situation. Review status: Pending advocate review.

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