After a dog bite in China, obtain medical care first and preserve the records of the incident and treatment. The facts that may matter include who kept or controlled the animal, whether required safety measures were used, where the incident happened, and whether anyone witnessed it. Do not assume the dog’s owner is the only possible keeper.
The Civil Code generally places liability for harm caused by a kept animal on the animal’s keeper or manager, but recognizes defenses where the injured person intentionally or with gross negligence caused the harm. Separate rules apply when required safety measures were not taken or when a prohibited dangerous animal caused the injury. The evidence and applicable local animal-control rules can affect how those provisions apply.
Record the bite and identify the keeper
Seek medical care and keep the diagnosis, treatment instructions, vaccination or follow-up records, receipts, and any later care documents. Record the date, time, location, what occurred immediately before the bite, and the animal’s description. If safe, preserve photographs of the scene and visible injuries. Note names and contact details for witnesses and the person who had custody or control of the animal.
Ask nearby property managers or businesses to preserve relevant video promptly. Keep original messages and any written acknowledgment or insurance information provided by the keeper. Do not edit footage or post accusations online while the facts are being established.
How the Civil Code approaches animal injuries
Article 1245 provides that the keeper or manager of an animal is liable when the animal causes harm, with a defense where the harm was caused by the injured person’s intention or gross negligence. Article 1246 addresses harm caused when management rules were violated and safety measures were not taken; the keeper or manager may reduce liability if the harm was caused intentionally by the injured person. Article 1247 separately addresses prohibited dangerous animals.
These rules do not mean that every claim has the same outcome. Identify any relevant local rules about control or restraint of animals, preserve evidence of how the animal was managed, and document the injury and losses. If another person caused the animal to injure someone, the Civil Code may also affect which party can be pursued.
Keep a complete claim file
Maintain one dated file with medical records, expenses, incident evidence, witness details, and communications with the keeper or insurer. Before accepting a payment or signing a release, confirm whether it covers only immediate treatment or also later care and other losses. A lawyer can assess responsibility and the appropriate claim route using the complete evidence.
Sources: Civil Code, Articles 1245–1250.
This overview is general information. Local animal-control rules and the incident facts matter.
