Take a look at this section of the Revised Code of Washington: RCW 16.08.040.
Jean-Louis owns a small dog (George). When Jean-Louis leaves home for the day, he usually allows George to stay outside in the fenced backyard of his home. Yesterday, George dug under the fence, got out of the yard, and ran around the neighborhood until Jean-Louis returned home. Unfortunately, while George was out, he killed the next-door neighbor’s cat (Fluffy), and then attacked the neighbor, who was trying to save Fluffy. The neighbor suffered severe bites to the hands, legs, and face, and is now in the hospital having surgery to try to repair the injuries. George has never shown any hint of violence before. Based on the provision of the Revised Code of Washington noted above:
a. Jean-Louis will be liable for all the harm caused by George, even though George has never shown any bad behavior before.
b. Jean-Louis will not be liable for the harm caused by George, because George has never before shown any bad behavior before.
c. Jean-Louis will be guilty of the crime of animal neglect.