Scuffling dogs Animal Injury, Dog Bite

My wife and I were out walking our dog. She met another dog of the same breed, and the two seemed to hit it off. Suddenly there was growling and the leashes got tangled. My dog ended up with her jaws around the other's ear. I was desperately trying to get my dog off.

The other owner stuck his hand near their mouths and got bitten once (on the finger, but pretty badly). I can't imagine how it could have been my dog, since (as far as I could tell) she remained latched on to the dog. Both he and his dog required surgery. Our dog is fine.

He has no health insurance (either for himself or his dog). We want to be helpful, but are torn. We will have to reckon with the moral obligation, but what is the legal obligation here? Does he bear any responsibility for putting his hand there? For not having insurance?

Sadly,
Brian

 

Thanks. I should add that this is NYC. Hopefully someone here knows whether or not there is something contrary in the laws.

 

Thanks for the replies. This happened on a public sidewalk, and I have no renters insurance.