Preventing Dog Bite Incidents

                     

The recent attack on a nineteenth-month-old child by a pit bull in a suburb of Denver highlights the danger of dog owners circumventing the law. The owner of the dog was arrested as it is unlawful to own a dangerous dog in Commerce City. The boy, who is expected to survive, was rushed to Children’s Hospital with severe injuries to his face and neck.  He is in stable condition and recovering from surgery this week.

The child was with a group of nomads who travel the country to feed the hungry. According to witnesses at the scene, the boy approached the dog to pet it, while it was tethered to a tree outside a King Soopers, and the dog attacked him. The dog died in the process of being restrained, and police officers at the scene said the dog continued to "fight and be aggressive" throughout the ordeal.

Dog bite incidents continue to occur even as the number of municipalities that ban pit bulls increases. While it is debatable that the dogs are inherently dangerous, it's a near consensus that the owner of a dog that bites must be held accountable. What can be done to end or decrease these attacks? Here are a few suggestions from www.dogsbite.org

    Dangerous situations:

·         Leaving an infant or toddler alone with any dog breed

·         New or temporary situations involving children and dangerous dog breeds

·         Approaching a chained dog, especially if it is male and unaltered  

·         Encountering a pack of loose dogs, known or unknown to you

·         Inserting yourself into a dogfight, especially when pit bulls are  involved

·         Approaching a vehicle with a dog inside or in the bed of a truck

Here are some additional tips to remember:

·         Do not pet a dog without first letting the dog see you

·         Do not lean your face close to a dog

·         Do not tease a dog, especially if it is chained

·         Do not startle a sleeping do

·         Do not bother a dog that is eating

·         Do not disturb a dog that is caring for puppies

·         Do not turn your back on a dog and run away

These suggestions and tips will significantly decrease the likelihood of a dog bite or attack. If you have been injured in a dog bite attack, you need to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney. Call The Law Offices of Robert Paysinger, P.C. @ 303-279-0221 or visit www.paysingerlaw.com