The "Vicious Breed" issue - I am surprised

[Steve-WA]

I got an email from a potential applicant with a German Shepherd. For some reason, I got to thinking and called my insurance. I have always operated off of tribal knowledge when it comes to so-called vicious breeds; that is, "my insurance won't cover me for liability if I allow a renter to own a vicious breed".

I have been wrong.

Foremost says that ANY breed is ok by them, *as long as the animal has no biting history*. Ironically, they do prohibit "exotic" pets. So, a pit is ok, but a boa in a terrarium is not. First bite, I'm covered; but not after that.

Sheriff tells me that biting history will not show up on a criminal background check of the owner; you have to contact Animal Control in the county(ies) where the applicant has lived, and they will have that information.

So, my new policy is going to be:

My application will have a blank that asks about a biting history; if they say no, I will still check with Animal Control during screening.

If they pass the screening, there will also be a certifying signature on the lease that states no biting history, for ANY animal.

For questionable dog breeds I will require a renters policy that includes 300K liability, with me as additional insured. (Currently all renters receive only a strong recommendation of insurance).

Non-refundable pet fee.

One bite, and they are out.

Still no pits, probably no rots, and I will still require meeting the pet before renting to them. AND I reserve the right to change my mind. I do not believe that there are protected classes of dogs - maybe service animals - so I am still the landlord, and I am still in charge.

The rest of the story: I called the German Shepherd guy to talk, we talked about how I could work with the dog, which then turned into two Shepherds, then he waffled when I said I check credit, then he waffled when I said I verify income (self-employed). He said he was wasting my time, I tried to talk him through, but he hung up on me. So he was a flake after all.

Good riddance; but I learned a lot.

[Brett OH]

Several communities here have there own dangerous breed specific lists. Canton, OH requires any pits or mixes of pits (big group) to have $100M insurance specifically for dog attacks, 6 foot solid fences & wear a muzzle off property.  Got to love 'em I guess.

[Sandy in SC]

Several communities here have there own dangerous breed specific lists. Canton, OH requires any pits or mixes of pits (big group) to have $100M insurance specifically for dog attacks, 6 foot solid fences & wear a muzzle off property.  Got to love 'em I guess.

Am I number dumb--does that mean $100 MILLION? 

I think there is a urban legend with regards to insurers list of dangerous dogs.  I've always had a weight limit of 25#'s and under so that pretty much knocks it out for me.  Of course the ankle biters are the ones that will bite the snot out of you. 

[gevans]

I was a milkman for 5 years, delivering milk door to door in glass bottles.  On the porch, at night.
The dangerous breeds left me alone.  I petted most of them every night.  The only time I ever got bit was a little ankle biter... I didn't take him seriously and it upset him.

[Sandy in SC]

Glad the flake flaked on down the road and you didn't have to go through all that in the end.

[Brett OH]

Several communities here have there own dangerous breed specific lists. Canton, OH requires any pits or mixes of pits (big group) to have $100M insurance specifically for dog attacks, 6 foot solid fences & wear a muzzle off property.  Got to love 'em I guess.

Am I number dumb--does that mean $100 MILLION? 

I think there is a urban legend with regards to insurers list of dangerous dogs.  I've always had a weight limit of 25#'s and under so that pretty much knocks it out for me.  Of course the ankle biters are the ones that will bite the snot out of you. 

Sorry, the number is a mere $100,000. I was told at a RIA meeting, I think, that it is hard to get a company here to sell a policy for this. I can't say if that is a fact. The $100,000 is though. The pound is full of these poor beasts and I have only read about one prosecution here for violating this law, of course, against a property owner.

[Michael]

In my early years as a telephone man, I was bitten by three dogs. A collie, a lab and a dalmation. My personal rule is never turn your back on any unknown dog.