Avoiding Dog Bites & Vicious Canine Attacks in Florida

Most dog owners cherish their pets and often treat them as one of the family. However, dogs are still animals and their behavior can be unpredictable. Each year 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs and it has been estimated that 1 in five dog bites lead to injuries that require medical attention, which is a total of 885,000 dog bite injuries. In 2006, more than 31,000 dog bite victims had reconstructive surgery as a result of a dog attack.

Children make up the majority of dog bite victims today. The rate of dog bite injuries is the highest in the age group, 5 to 9. Since children are more trusting and are not afraid to get close to a dog, they are usually the ones on the other end of a dog attack. Even family dogs have been known to attack children.

Dog bites can be prevented. If you choose to bring a dog into your home, keep in mind that adults with two or more dogs in the house are five times more likely to be bitten than those living without dogs at home. You should consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist before choosing a breed as these experts are familiar with the various breed characteristics and which dogs are more prone to attack. If a breed is notorious for aggression, it would not be wise to have this type of dog around children.

Once a dog is brought into your home, you should avoid playing aggressive games with the animal. Children and infants should never be left alone with a dog. There was a recent case in Arizona where a chow attacked and killed a newborn girl while her mother was in the restroom. It only takes minutes for a dog to viciously attack a child.

Dog bites also happen in parks, other people’s homes and in public locations. There are safety precautions that should be taken to help avoid a serious dog bite in Florida. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted a list of safety tips for children, which are summarized below:

• Never approach an unfamiliar dog
• Do not run from a dog or scream
• If you are approached by an unfamiliar dog, stay still
• If a dog knocks you over, roll into a ball and lie still
• Children should never play with a dog unsupervised
• A sleeping dog or one that is eating should not be disturbed
• Before petting a dog, always ask the owner first and allow the dog to see and sniff you

If you or your child has been the victim of a dog attack in Florida, the dog owner can be held responsible. Contact the Law Offices of William K. Saron at (866) 836-4947 or (727) 345-4566 to speak with an experienced dog bite attorney.