The New York Court of Appeals recently put an earlier decision limiting the causes of action available to victims of animal attacks on a short leash, walking back its reach and giving plaintiffs a little bit more bite.

In an opinion with significant ramifications for the plaintiffs' bar, the New York Court of Appeals yesterday recognized the tolling of statutes of limitation for absent class members stemming from class actions filed in other jurisdictions. The court also held that such tolling ceases as soon as the out-of-state class action is dismissed for any reason – including non-merits dismissals.