How Michigan treats dog bites and dangerous animals
One civil statute covers bites. A separate statute defines dangerous animals.
The bite statute
MCL 287.351 makes the owner liable for damages suffered by a person bitten without provocation, either on public property or lawfully on private property including the owner's own, regardless of the dog's former viciousness or the owner's knowledge of it. The text of the statute is on the legislature's site.
Defenses and limits
The Nolo summary of Michigan dog bite law says the defenses are trespass and provocation, and that the rule covers bites only. Injuries from other contact, such as being knocked over, rely on other theories. A a Michigan injury firm's overview adds that damages can be reduced under Michigan's comparative fault statute.
Dangerous animals
The MCL 287.321 and related sections reports that a dangerous animal under MCL 287.321 is a dog or other animal that bites or attacks a person, and that the owner of such an animal that causes a person's death is guilty of involuntary manslaughter.
Insurance and housing
Ask your insurer in writing whether the dog changes your policy, and read lease or association rules before you commit.
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