What Are St. Louis Dog Bite Laws? If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Missouri, it’s essential to understand your legal rights. St. Louis dog bite laws are designed to protect victims and hold negligent pet owners accountable, regardless of whether the dog has bitten before. Missouri follows a strict liability standard. That means the dog’s owner can be held responsible even if they had no prior knowledge of aggression. You don’t have to prove the owner was careless–just that the bite happened, and you were lawfully present when it occurred.   Missouri’s Strict Liability Rule: No "One-Bite" Grace Unlike some states that apply the outdated “one-bite rule,” Missouri law is clear and victim-friendly. Under Missouri Revised Statute §273.036, a dog owner is strictly liable if: The victim was lawfully on public or private property The dog bites or attacks The bite causes injury No additional proof of negligence is required. This law applies statewide, including in St. Louis. Victims can recover damages such as: Medical bills Lost wages Pain and suffering Emotional distress Future treatment costs If you’ve suffered a bite, a qualified dog bite attorney can help ensure you’re compensated fairly under this statute. Local Dog Bite Ordinances in St. Louis Beyond state law, St. Louis dog bite laws include city-specific ordinances aimed at preventing future attacks. The St. Louis municipal code outlines how authorities classify and manage dangerous or vicious dogs. Under Local Law, a Dog May Be Declared Dangerous If: It bites or attacks a person unprovoked