Dog Law: Liability, Section 833 of the German Civil Code (BGB), and Mandatory Insurance for Dogs

What is dog law?

Dog law encompasses all areas of law governing the keeping of dogs, the rights and obligations of dog owners, and civil and criminal liability for damage caused by dogs. Under German law, the most important provision for dog owners is Section 833 of the Civil Code (BGB)—the liability of animal owners.

Section 833 of the German Civil Code (BGB) establishes strict liability (liability based on risk): If a dog injures a person or damages property, the dog owner is liable for the resulting damage—even if the owner is not personally at fault. This strict liability makes dog liability insurance an essential form of protection.

Background + Scientific Context

Sacks et al. (2000, JAVMA, PubMed 10882411) analyzed 238 fatal dog bite incidents in the United States (1979–1998): Fatal bite incidents were multifactorial—no supervised dog was involved in a fatal attack. The study sparked scientific and legal policy debate regarding owner liability and the duty of supervision: If owners had not adequately supervised or secured their dog, owner liability was the inevitable consequence.

Westgarth et al. (2018, BMJ Open, PubMed 29339539) investigated risk factors for dog bite injuries in a British population-based survey: Approximately 25% of all respondents reported at least one bite incident in their lifetime. Most bites occurred at the hands of dogs known to the victim, in familiar settings—not from strange dogs on the street. Implications for §833 BGB: Liability risk also exists in private settings and with known individuals.

Raghavan (2008, Canadian Veterinary Journal, PubMed 18060968) analyzed 28 fatal dog bite attacks in Canada: Owner liability was clearly justifiable in the majority of cases—dogs were unsupervised, not fenced in, or known to be aggressive without facing consequences. Civil and criminal proceedings following such cases in Germany are governed by Sections 833 and 834 of the Civil Code (BGB) and Sections 222 and 229 of the Criminal Code (StGB).

Vitomalia-Position

Section 833 of the German Civil Code (BGB) is not just a bureaucratic formality—it is the foundation for ensuring that dog ownership in Germany comes with responsibility. Anyone who owns a dog bears full responsibility for the dog’s actions. Dog liability insurance is not optional—it is already required by law in several federal states and makes sense everywhere.

When do dog laws apply to owners?

• In the event of any dog bite or property damage caused by the dog: immediate liability issue under Section 833 of the German Civil Code (BGB)
• In the case of personal injury: compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and the victim’s loss of earnings
• For property damage: repair, or reimbursement for the value of damaged items
• If you own a dog on the list: increased liability and obligations under public law
• When taking out dog liability insurance: Mandatory in North Rhine-Westphalia, Hamburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, Lower Saxony, and Schleswig-Holstein

Practical application

An overview of the legal basis for liability:

What does dog liability insurance cover: - Personal injury: medical expenses, compensation for pain and suffering, loss of earnings - Property damage: damaged clothing, bicycles, vehicles - Financial losses resulting from personal injury or property damage - Legal protection coverage (in some plans)

Common Mistakes & Myths

• “My dog has never bitten anyone—I don’t need liability insurance.” Section 833 of the German Civil Code (BGB) applies just as much to the first incident. A single injury can result in claims for damages in the five- to six-figure range.
• “The other person provoked my dog—I’m not liable.” Contributory negligence on the part of the victim (Section 254 of the German Civil Code) may reduce liability—but not eliminate it entirely. Liability of the animal owner under Section 833 of the German Civil Code remains strict liability.
• "Standard liability insurance is sufficient for dogs on the list." Many standard liability insurance policies exclude dogs on the list or require special terms. Check before signing up.

Current State of Research (2026)

The costs associated with dog bites (both medical and legal) are not systematically tracked in Germany—in the U.S., direct costs of over $900 million annually (in insurance payouts) have been documented. The German insurance industry reports a rise in claims for damages resulting from dog bites. Several federal states have introduced mandatory dog liability insurance—a nationwide regulation is under discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions

As a dog owner, do I need to have liability insurance?

Dog liability insurance is required by law in the following states: North Rhine-Westphalia, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, Schleswig-Holstein, and Bavaria (for dogs on the list of dangerous breeds). In other states, it is voluntary—but strongly recommended, as Section 833 of the German Civil Code (BGB) establishes strict liability.

What happens after my dog bites someone?

Civil liability: Liability for damages under §833 of the German Civil Code (BGB). Regulatory requirements: Obligation to report to the authorities, possible classification as a dangerous dog, and requirements (Leash, muzzle, ownership permit). Criminal liability: In cases of serious injury or death, liability under §§222/229 of the German Criminal Code (StGB) may apply. Notify your liability insurance provider; do not admit liability without consulting your insurance company.

Is the dog owner liable if his dog bites another dog?

Yes — Section 833 of the German Civil Code (BGB) also applies to property damage. A dog that has been bitten is considered “property” in the legal sense; veterinary and treatment costs may be claimed. If the bitten dog dies: compensation for the loss. In cases of mutual biting: check Section 254 of the German Civil Code (BGB) (contributory negligence of the other owner).

Related terms

• Dog Law for Dogs
• Dog Biting Incident
• Dog Biting Statistics
• Dangerous dog
• Dog Insurance

Sources & Further Reading

1. Sacks, J. J., Sinclair, L., Gilchrist, J., Golab, G. C., & Lockwood, R. (2000). Breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks in the United States between 1979 and 1998. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 217(6), 836–840. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10882411/

2. Westgarth, C., Brooke, M., & Christley, R. M. (2018). How many people have been bitten by dogs: A cross-sectional survey of prevalence, incidence and factors associated with dog bites in a UK community. BMJ Open, 8(2), e021361. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29339539/

3. Raghavan, M. (2008). Fatal dog attacks in Canada, 1990–2007. Canadian Veterinary Journal, 49(6), 577–581. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18060968/