Can I Take Photos of the Dog Without the Owner’s Permission?

Photographing the dog and the scene is one of the most important things you can do for your case — and you generally have the legal right to do it.

The Short Answer

Yes — you can photograph the dog, the scene, and anything else visible from a public space without the owner’s permission. There is no legal restriction on photographing an animal that has bitten you, especially when done for purposes of documenting an injury. The exception is private property: if you would be trespassing to take the photo, get the photo from a public vantage point (the street, sidewalk, or your own property) instead. Photos taken in the moments after a bite are some of the most powerful evidence in any Michigan dog bite case.

Video coming soon — Solomon Radner answers this question

The Detailed Answer

Photography for purposes of documenting an injury is well-established as protected activity under U.S. law. You don’t need the dog owner’s permission to photograph the dog, the location, or any visible property from a public vantage point. The dog owner cannot legally demand that you delete photos or refuse to let you photograph the animal that just bit you.

That said, there are practical guidelines for what to photograph, what to avoid, and how to handle pushback from the owner.

What to photograph immediately

Your injuries — multiple angles, with and without close-ups
The dog — full body, head, identifying features
The dog’s collar and tags — license number, rabies tag
The location — wide shots showing context
Any visible damage — torn clothing, broken items, ground disturbance
The dog owner’s house number or vehicle license plate
Any warning signs (“Beware of Dog,” etc.) or lack thereof

If you’re on private property when you take photos

If the bite occurred on the dog owner’s property — and you were lawfully invited there — your right to photograph the scene is well established. Mail carriers, delivery drivers, utility workers, and invited guests all retain photo rights when injured on the premises.

If you’ve been asked to leave, leave — but photograph everything you can from the property line as you go. Photos from the public sidewalk or street are unquestionably your right.

If the owner tries to stop you

Dog owners occasionally become aggressive about photography — yelling, threatening to call police, demanding deletion of photos. Stay calm. Don’t engage. Continue documenting from a safe distance. You are not obligated to delete photos. The police, if called, will not order you to delete photos of an injury or an animal. If safety becomes an issue, leave and document from a distance.

What This Means for Your Case

Photos taken at the scene are some of the most powerful evidence in any Michigan dog bite case. They are objective — unlike memory and witness testimony, they don’t fade or change. They document the injury at its most severe (before healing begins). They prove the location and circumstances. And they establish the dog’s identity, which can be critical if the owner later disputes which dog was involved.

Continue photographing your injuries during recovery. Take photos every 1-2 days as the wound heals. The progression photos document the healing process and become important evidence for damages — particularly for facial scarring and other visible injuries.

Bitten by a dog in Michigan? Call 1-800-LAWSUIT or request a free case review. No fee unless we win.