This bill amends Civil Code Article 2321 to clarify the liability of animal owners, specifically regarding livestock. It establishes that the owner of an animal, including livestock, is generally responsible for damages caused by their animal, provided that it can be shown that the owner knew or should have known that their animal's behavior could lead to such damage and failed to take reasonable care to prevent it. However, the bill introduces a strict liability standard for dog owners, making them liable for injuries caused by their dogs unless the injured party provoked the animal.

Additionally, the bill specifies that livestock owners are liable for damages caused by their animals escaping an enclosure if the owner could have prevented the escape through reasonable care. Importantly, it also outlines exceptions where the owner would not be liable for damages resulting from livestock escaping due to fortuitous events, no fault of the owner, or third-party provocation. The bill retains the possibility for courts to apply the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur in relevant cases.