Dog Bite Case Allowed To Go Beyond Summary Judgment Stage

In the case of Wentz v. Blakeslee, No. 2646-CV-2020 (C.P. Monroe Co. Feb. 7, 2022 Williamson, J.), the court denied a Motion for Summary Judgment in an alleged dog bite case given the presence of material issues of fact.

According to the Opinion, the Plaintiffs and their minor son were guests at the home of a friend. While playing outside, the minor and other children went over to a neighboring residence to say goodbye to a dog that they knew. Apparently, the dog was ill and was set to be put down the next day.

The Plaintiff alleged that, when the minor went into the room where the dog was resting, the dog allegedly attacked and bit the child after he touched the dog.

In response to the Defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment, the court found that there were material issues of fact regarding whether the Defendant had prior knowledge of his dog’s alleged dangerous propensities, whether the minor Plaintiff provoked the dog, and whether the Defendant could have done anything to prevent the child from having contact with the dog.

Anyone wishing to review a copy of this decision may click this LINK.


Source: “Digest of Recent Opinions.” Pennsylvania Law Weekly (March 15, 2022).

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