What is the Texas "one-bite" rule concerning dog bites?

The Texas "one-bite" rule pertains to the liability of dog owners in bite cases and is rooted in the principle that a dog owner can be held responsible if their dog has previously demonstrated aggressive behavior or has a history of biting. This means that if there is evidence that the dog has bitten someone or shown aggressive tendencies before, the owner can be held liable for any subsequent bites. The rationale behind this rule is based on the premise that an owner who is aware of their dog's dangerous behavior has a duty to take reasonable precautions to prevent harm to others.

This framework encourages dog owners to be vigilant and responsible, as it provides a legal basis for holding them accountable when they fail to act on known risks associated with their pet. In contrast to the other choices, which suggest absolving the owner of liability under various circumstances, this rule emphasizes the importance of the dog's previous behavior in determining the owner's responsibility.