Liability for Wild Pig, Feral Cat, and Livestock Attacks in Hawaii

Hawaii's unique tropical ecosystem means that residents and tourists interact with a wide variety of animals beyond household dogs. From massive feral pigs (pua'a) roaming through residential neighborhoods to loose cattle on rural highways in Maui and the Big Island, animal encounters can quickly turn dangerous. While wild animals generally do not have an 'owner' you can sue, Hawaii law places strict responsibilities on landowners who harbor feral animals or fail to secure their livestock. If you have been injured by a feral animal or loose livestock, you can use our USA Lawyers Directory to find a Hawaii personal injury attorney who understands the state's unique agricultural and premises liability laws.

Step-by-Step Guide to Pursuing a Claim for an Animal Attack

Pursuing a claim for a non-dog animal attack requires proving that a specific person or business had a duty to control the animal or keep the premises safe.

Step 1: Feral Boar Attacks on Private Property

Feral pigs are incredibly common in Hawaii, and their tusks can cause severe, life-threatening lacerations. Generally, no one owns a wild pig. However, if a resort in Waikoloa or a neighbor in Manoa intentionally sets out food for wild pigs to attract them for tourist photos or hunting, they have effectively 'harbored' the animals. Under Hawaii premises liability laws, actively attracting dangerous wildlife creates a foreseeable risk of harm. If you are attacked by a boar on property where the owner was feeding them, that property owner can be held liable for negligence.

Step 2: Loose Horses and Cows on Rural Roadways

Car accidents involving loose livestock are a major hazard on the Big Island and Maui. Under Haw. Rev. Stat. § 142-63 and Haw. Rev. Stat. § 142-66, livestock owners have a statutory duty to prevent cattle, horses, and other animals from trespassing onto private land or wandering onto public roads. Highway collisions are evaluated under negligence principles. If a rancher failed to maintain their fences, left gates open, or allowed their livestock to stray onto a roadway, they can be held financially liable for the resulting motor vehicle collision and your injuries. Your attorney will investigate the condition of the fence to prove the rancher was careless.

Step 3: Feral Cat Colonies and Disease Transmission

Hawaii has a massive population of feral cats. While a cat scratch may seem minor, feral cats can carry severe infections. Similar to wild pigs, if a condo association or commercial landlord actively maintains a feral cat colony on their property by providing daily food and shelter, they may assume legal liability for those animals. If a tenant or guest is attacked unprovoked, the landlord's commercial insurance policy may be responsible for the damages.

Step 4: Exotic Pet Escapees

Because Hawaii is a fragile island ecosystem, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Honolulu heavily regulates the importation of exotic pets. Snakes, certain large birds, and monkeys are strictly prohibited. If a resident illegally smuggles an exotic animal into the state and it escapes and attacks you, the owner faces both severe criminal penalties and absolute strict civil liability. Courts generally rule that anyone harboring a wild or exotic animal is strictly liable for any harm it causes, regardless of how carefully they tried to cage it.

Step 5: Filing a Lawsuit

If you are injured by livestock or a harbored feral animal, your attorney will negotiate with the landowner's or rancher's insurance company. If they refuse to pay for your medical bills and lost wages, your lawyer can file a civil lawsuit at a local courthouse, such as the Third Circuit Court, Hilo or the Second Circuit Court, Wailuku, using standard civil complaint forms.

How Much Does it Cost in Hawaii?

You do not need to pay out of pocket to hold a negligent landowner or farmer accountable.

How Long Does the Process Take?

You have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit in Hawaii under Haw. Rev. Stat. § 657-7. If the liability is clear (e.g., a broken fence that the farmer ignored for months), a settlement could be reached in 6 to 9 months. If the landowner denies that they were intentionally feeding or harboring the feral animals, the discovery process will take much longer, and litigation can stretch from 1 to 2 years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)