© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Court Puts A Leash on Lawsuit By Man Bitten By Dog

Reginald Hardwick
/
WKAR-MSU

Upset about a dog bite? Sometimes it's better to keep your hand in your pocket.

Thomas Cummings was bitten by a dog when he put his hand over a fence in Holly.

But the Michigan appeals court ruled in favor of the dog's owners, saying Cummings was trespassing, even if he was standing on the other side of the fence.

In a 3-0 decision Tuesday, the court says "no reasonable juror" could conclude that Cummings had permission to put his hand over the fence, especially after the dog was running around and growling at him.

The owners said the dog was "uncomfortable with strangers."

Related Content
Together we’ve already reduced WKAR’s $1.6 million budget gap created by the loss of federal funding. With your sustaining support we can close the remaining $500,000 gap and keep trusted public media strong for mid-Michigan. The best way to support WKAR is to become a sustainer. Already a sustainer? Please consider upgrading your current monthly gift.