Strict liability means that, when a dog bites someone, the victim does not need to prove that the dog owner acted carelessly or recklessly in allowing it to happen. Strict liability means the owner is responsible regardless of negligence, and regardless of whether he or she knew the dog would bite.

This strict liability rule applies only to dog bites, not other injuries sustained in a dog attack. For other injuries caused by a dog, the victim usually must show some wrongful action or inaction on the part of the owner.