Why Dogs Attack in Florida

A canine attack can leave both physical and emotional scars on the victim.  When a child is bitten by a dog, it is not uncommon for a fear of dogs to develop that can be so debilitating that the child is too afraid to go to the park or to the homes of friends or family members who own dogs.  Dogs can attack for many reasons and in some situations, the canine’s owner can be held responsible for injuries.

Dog bites are prevalent in the United States.  It has been estimated that 2 percent of the total U.S. population have been bitten by dogs, which equals about 4.7 million people every year.  Some people believe that the number of canine attacks is so high because of the close proximity of dogs to humans.

There is debate as to whether certain dog breeds are more likely to attack than others.  For example, the rate of pit bull attacks seems to be higher than some other dog breeds.  Some people have argued that it has nothing to do with the breed, but that the propensity to bite is actually associated with the dog’s owner.

Dogs bite when they are scared, territorial, sick or injured.  Usually a dog will give warning signs of an impending attack, but young children, who are the most common victims, often miss these signals.

If you have been the victim of a Florida dog attack, you should contact a St. Petersburg dog bite lawyer at the Law Offices of William K. Saron at (727) 345-4566 or (866) 836-4947.