Question: Can I be sued for a dog bite? The dog lives in a dog house and he is tied. The property is fenced. A neighbor decided to open the main fence door in the middle of the night to feed the dog and he was bitten. The dog has never bitten anyone before.

Charlie Chaplin - A Dog's Life

Answer: I'm not sure who will win this case, but I doubt he'll win because the neighbor's conduct as you've described appears to be riddled with contributory fault or negligence. Arguably the neighbor assumed the liability of being bitten if he voluntarily engaged the animal. The law does not condone or reward those who are the makers of their own injury. This is a fact specific answer so my opinion may change if the facts change in any way.