Dog Bites: When Man’s Best Friend Attacks
With ownership of an animal comes responsibility for its actions. Recently, pit bull-mix dogs have gained notoriety for their serious and sometimes fatal attacks on young and old across the nation.
On December 30, 2013, three people were attacked by their own pit bull at their home. In another incident on April 11, 2013, a 13-year old boy had to defend his classmates against a dog on the attack. And in yet another report in October, a man had to shoot a pit bull that attacked one of his three dogs. The number of dog attacks in Lancaster alone should be a cause for concern for dog owners and non-dog owners alike.
Pennsylvania holds owners strictly liable for damage and injury caused by their dogs. Pit bull-mix dogs are particularly dangerous for several reasons, including:
- Pit bull mix-dogs are generally the byproduct of backyard breeding programs without regard for standards or temperament.
- Some owners of pit bull-mix dogs keep them for their aggressive nature, a poor selection for any community.
- Pit bull-mix dogs, by nature, are physically strong, agile and tenacious. Without proper socialization and discipline, the dogs can turn on anyone, including their owners.
Few agencies promote breed-specific legislation that would prohibit pit bull-mix ownership, but the danger the animals pose is hard to refute.
If injured or bitten by any dog, contact authorities and obtain medical help. Preserve evidence, including torn clothing, and obtain pictures of injuries and the site of attack. Speak with an injury attorney in Lancaster, PA as soon as possible to preserve your cause of action. When man’s best friend attacks, a good attorney makes sure man (or woman) is responsible.
