Dog Owner on Trial for Unleashed Pet's Attack in Mountain Park

A trial at the Tribunal de Corts has examined whether a dog owner bears responsibility for injuries caused by his unleashed pet in a mountain park, spotlighting the tension between pet freedom and safety rules.

The case stems from a November 2021 incident in the Parc Natural del Comapedrosa. The defendant, whose 43kg mixed-breed dog—rescued from a Portuguese farm—runs free during hikes, admitted untying her that morning as usual. He briefly lost sight of the animal, which returned with minor branch scratches he dismissed without veterinary attention. He described her as "sweet and non-aggressive," suited to off-leash mountain outings.

The victim, however, recounted a sudden attack as she ascended the trail with her American Staffordshire Terrier, in training as a psychosocial assistance dog. The defendant's dog charged down, biting both her pet—wearing a fabric muzzle and leash per regulations—and her. She suffered incised-contused wounds on her arms and a deep bite on her thigh with entry and exit punctures. The animals' struggle snapped the victim's dog's leashes.

A vet treating the assistance dog detailed severe head bites and a nasal hole exposing internal breathing. The defendant's vet, though not examining her post-incident, confirmed the jaw structure matched the wounds. Prosecutors argued the owner's lack of oversight and breach of park rules—banning unleashed dogs—directly caused the clash, noting even docile animals can react aggressively. They seek €3,000 in compensation.

The private prosecution pushed further, demanding a €2,000 fine, a ban on animal-related work, revocation of the defendant's hunting permit, and over €5,100 for civil liability and vet bills, citing the dog's lasting emotional trauma.

The defence insists on acquittal, emphasising the dog's clean history of fights. The court will rule on 27 March, weighing hiker freedoms against leash obligations.