"Beware of the dog signs" law

**SpiritofaWarrior** · 10-06-2010 16:23

Hi all! We have just moved and went to purchase a 'beware of the dog enter at own risk' sign to put at our front door, but the lady at the pet shop said to be careful as we are asking for it by putting it up. apparently we set ourselves up if someone does get bit and we have the sign then we are liable. i thought that you had to put a sign up saying 'enter at own risk' that way you are covered?? apparantley if you have one of those funny ones then its ok??

Does anyone know the law for these signs?? Im in VIC

**dep** · 10-06-2010 16:26

I don't know the actual law, but I'd heard this too, so we just bought one that says 'dog on premises'. Our dog is so damm friendly she'd lick you to death rather than attack!

**Eco Goddess** · 10-06-2010 16:26

We got told this too... we ended up with a simple one that said "Please close the gate, dog on premises"

**Eco Goddess** · 10-06-2010 16:27

Originally Posted by dep

Our dog is so damm friendly she'd lick you to death rather than attack!

Ours too!! DP jokes that he would show robbers how to get in and where we hide the good stuff!

**overitand36** · 10-06-2010 16:29

yes you are liable because you knew of the risk

check it out with local council, and your public liability insurance company

**TripleTime** · 10-06-2010 16:32

Yep, been around for a while.

What your basically admitting to is having a dangerous dog whether they are or not, if someone is attacked you are liable of all cost involved & your dog will have to surrendered.

A funny/lame/stupid one is fine just not a 'beware' one

**Lemonhead** · 10-06-2010 16:38

Ive seen a good one that says "I can get to the fence in 3.3 seconds...can you?"

Still funny but a bit scarier to a would be intruder

.

**Pax** · 10-06-2010 16:46

As far as I know if your dog mawls someone you are liable regardless of where and when.

This is so frustrating as I have told people not to touch my dog when I am out as she bites

but they do and they let their kids too

I am over dogs these are the last ones.. too much stress

**Izy** · 10-06-2010 16:54

Yes and no Morrigan. Depends on how bad the injury, and how it was sustained. If it's bad, than yes. You will most likely be prosecuted.

But as for the sign, when studying legal issues in NSW in 98 (highschool) we were taught about accepting liability, and acknowledgement such as a 'beware of dog sign' is acknowledging the danger.

**mummykitty** · 10-06-2010 17:01

ok so i also recently had a pup join our family (a GORGEOUS 3yo aussie shepherd with the most wonderful temparment but am a little confused by the dog sign laws.... what is it i need to have up and where?? he isnt a risk and i refuse to put up that he is unless of course you have a dog drool allergy :P any help would be much appreciated thanks xo