While dogs bring us happiness and enrich our lives, they can also be sources of liability for their owners. The Second District’s recent decision in Dzierwa v. Ori examines the two liability theories recognized in Illinois for bodily injury caused by an animal, which all Illinois dog owners should be aware of.
The Original Case
In Dzierwa, plaintiff was bitten by Fiona, a 105-pound Cane Corso owned by defendants Joseph and Elizabeth Ori. The Oris were out of town at the time, and co-defendant Brad Hoebel was house-sitting and watching Fiona. Hoebel invited guests over to the Oris’ home, one