Odd article today in a Canadian newspaper. Tragic story about a dogwalker badly bitten by dog, and taking legal action against pet owners.
But legal opinion (Ontario province) dismissed case. Noted that dogwalker was effectively seeking damages from themselves. Seems their capacity as dogwalker meant that they were legally the temporary owners of the dog. Huh.
Unsure if same legal interpretation would apply to housesitters? Or which legal jurisdictions would apply similar approach.
Anyone with ideas, legal expertise or insight welcomed.
While case situation facts are limited then no mention was made in news article of formal ‘guardianship authority’ (that we mentioned recently). So presume broad application of legal case.
And reminder that THS Terms & Conditions include term 5.2.4 that prohibits pets that have ever caused harm. No dangerous pets on THS please.
" 5.2.4. ensure that no pets to be left under the care of a Sitter have ever caused a person or animal any physical harm (no matter how minor the injury);"
Wow, very interesting. Therefore, if the dog bites someone while being walked by the dog walker, the bitten person would sue the dog walker. Would/could that be the case if walking a dog as a THS sitter? Maybe only in Canada?
What is strange is the bite happened when the dog was still in the home. I could maybe understand if the dog was outside on a walk, but at home (at least in the US) it would be the HO liability. I disclosed the dog and breed to the insurance company when we brought her home.
@Cat-ophile, @Maggie8K - simply for clarity, this appears a provincial Canadian court so only impact Ontario. I don’t know related legislation, case law in other Canadian provinces/territories or in US/UK/other jurisdictions. We’ve never read of any similar cases in other geographies.
Highlighted article shared as it struck us as odd and unexpected - especially as @Felinelover then incident appeared to have occurred inside the property of the ‘permanent pet owner’. Strange.