Bitten by pet. Owner's liability?

What the Law Says

Japanese law imposes strict liability on pet owners for harm caused by their animals — meaning the owner is responsible even if they took reasonable care or were unaware of the animal’s dangerous tendencies.

Under Article 718 of the Japanese Civil Code, the possessor of an animal is liable for damages caused by that animal to others’ life, body, or property.

This liability applies regardless of whether the owner was negligent or at fault. The injured person only needs to prove that the animal caused the harm and that the defendant was the possessor (e.g., owner or keeper) at the time.

The possessor may avoid liability only if they can prove that they exercised due care in supervising the animal *and* that the victim or a third party was solely at fault — but this is a narrow exception.

Statutory Text

The possessor of an animal shall be liable to compensate for damage inflicted by such animal upon the life or body of another person or upon the property of another person; provided, however, that this shall not apply where the possessor proves that he/she exercised due care in supervision of the animal or that the damage would have occurred even if due care had been exercised.

— Civil Code, Art. 718 — Liability for Damage Caused by Animals

What to Do

Sources