| While dogs are often a source of love, fun, and | | | | they may cause. |
| happiness, some dogs can behave erratically and | | | | Depending on where you live, your rights as a pet |
| lash out when unprovoked. Unfortunately, dog | | | | owner and/or as the victim of a pet attack may |
| attacks have increased over years, and according | | | | vary. Contact a personal injury lawyer for more |
| to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, | | | | information on pet owner liability. |
| approximately 2% of people in America have | | | | Owner's Options |
| been bitten by a dog. | | | | If your dog exhibits erratic behavior, or has a |
| Facts and Figures | | | | reputation for violence, you should consider your |
| Dog bites account for a significant number of | | | | options as a pet owner.o Behavior therapy. Many |
| personal injuries reported each year. The following | | | | pet owners have adopted rescue animals with an |
| facts and figures give one a sense of just how | | | | unknown history. In many cases, these animals |
| prevalent they are.o 800,000 dog bites require | | | | have been subjected to neglect or abuse, which |
| medical attention every yearo Nearly 368,000 | | | | can permanently altar an animal's behavior. |
| emergency hospital visits are caused by dog | | | | Behavior therapy can enable owners to |
| biteso Everyone in America has a 1 in 50 chance | | | | counter-condition their animal by learning relaxation |
| of being bitten by a dog each yearo 33 deaths | | | | and calming techniques, which can greatly reduce |
| were caused by dog attacks in 2007o Collectively, | | | | an animal's anxiety and likelihood to attack.o |
| victims of dog attacks lose approximately $1 billion | | | | Restraint. If you are unable to predict your dog's |
| each year | | | | behavior, you should be extremely cautious when |
| Liability and Responsibility | | | | taking him in public areas. Always use a leash and |
| Pet owners are responsible for ensuring public | | | | warn strangers of your dog's temperament. If |
| safety by keeping their animals controlled. | | | | you are having people in your home, it may be |
| Different states have implemented various laws | | | | wise to put the dog in a separate room away |
| regarding pet owner liability. There are three | | | | from your guests.o Euthanasia. In instances when |
| types of law regarding dog bites. | | | | animals are repeatedly injuring civilians and all other |
| 1. One bite states uphold that pet owners are not | | | | options have been exhausted, it may be |
| liable for damages caused by their animal if it is | | | | necessary to put your dog down. Sadly, some |
| their first offense. | | | | dogs are unfit pets. |
| 2. Mixed statute states are between one bite | | | | Dog attacks can be an extremely emotional |
| states and strict liability states. In most cases, | | | | situation. For more information or assistance |
| however, strict liability is favored. | | | | regarding pet attacks, contact a practiced |
| 3. Strict liability states maintain that pet owners | | | | Oklahoma personal injury lawyer at the Abel Law |
| are always responsible for their animals' behavior, | | | | Firm today. |
| and are thereby liable for any damages or injury | | | | |