Sarkis v Morrison [2013] NSWCA 281

Sarkis v Morrison [2013] NSWCA 281

Liability under s 25 of the Companion Animals Act 1998 (NSW) requires conduct by the dog involving aggression or deliberate action directed toward the injured person; mere wounding absent aggression or attack does not establish strict liability.

Source-derived case information.

Parties
Appellant: Toney Sarkis; Respondent: James Morrison
Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
30 August 2013
Procedural Posture
Appeal / Court of Appeal Decision
Outcome
Appeal allowed; District Court orders set aside; judgment entered for defendant; costs orders made.
Legal Topics
Injury Caused by Animals, Companion Animals Act 1998 (nsw), Strict Liability, Bodily Injury, Statutory Interpretation
Personal Injury Statutory Liability Injury Caused by Animals Companion Animals Act 1998 (nsw) Strict Liability Bodily Injury Statutory Interpretation

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Parties

Toney Sarkis

Appellant

James Morrison

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Appeal / Court of Appeal Decision

  1. 1 Whether the owner of a dog is strictly liable for injuries caused when the dog runs onto a road and collides with a person, absent aggression or attack
  2. 2 Interpretation of 'wounding or attacking' in Companion Animals Act 1998 (NSW) s 25

Ratio Decidendi

Liability under s 25 of the Companion Animals Act 1998 (NSW) requires conduct by the dog involving aggression or deliberate action directed toward the injured person; mere wounding absent aggression or attack does not establish strict liability.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed; District Court orders set aside; judgment entered for defendant; costs orders made.

Orders

  • Allow the appeal and set aside the judgment and orders made in the District Court.
  • Enter judgment for the defendant in the District Court, with costs.