North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

True or False: Damage caused by a service animal is the liability of the owner or trainer.

1. True

2. False

3. Depends on the situation

4. Only if the service animal is misbehaving

The correct answer is: True

The assertion that damage caused by a service animal is the liability of the owner or trainer is accurate. In general, service animal handlers can be held responsible for the actions of their animals, including any damage they may cause to property or harm to individuals. This responsibility exists because service animals are considered extensions of their owners or trainers, and as such, the handler is liable for the animal's behavior and actions. While service animals are trained to perform specific tasks to assist individuals with disabilities, they are still capable of exhibiting unpredictable behavior, just like any other animal. Therefore, if a service animal causes damage, the expectation is that the owner or trainer will be accountable. This may encompass a range of scenarios, from physical damage to property to any injuries inflicted on others. In situations where a service animal is under the control of its handler, the liability generally rests on the handler, provided the animal was acting normally and not engaging in behavior that was out of character due to negligence or circumstances caused by the handler. Ultimately, this aligns with the principles of liability that exist in many contexts related to animal ownership and the expected behavior of trained animals.