7 Precautions That Can Help Prevent Missouri Dog Attacks
A 24-years-old woman in Longville, Louisiana was killed in her home by two family-owned pit bulls while she was sleeping. One of the pit bulls was female and one male. It was suspected by the woman's family members that she may have had a seizure while sleeping and the dogs reacted to it. The dogs bit her several times, resulting in her death; no charges are expected to be filed in this Missouri Dog Bite Case.
Pit bulls are often deemed dangerous dogs. Animal People News found that 2 breeds accounted for 71% of all dog bite-related fatalities in 2007. They were pit bulls and rottweilers. Breed is one of the most important factors in determining the dangerous tendencies of a dog; however, the study also found that biters are over six times as likely to be male than female, 2.6 times as likely to be intact than neutered, and three times as likely to be chained as unchained.
It is suggested that dangerous dog owners take certain precautions to ensure that the likelihood of a dog attack will be reduced. The following are some recommendations:
1. Spay or neuter your dog- this can decrease aggression when done at an early age. The optimal age is between 6-9 months, particularly with male dogs.
2. Socialize your dog- by introduce your dog at an early age to community parks, family and friends, busy sidewalks and other animals, the less chance it will feel threatened in new experiences and the less likely it may choose to bite.
3. Exercise your dog- all dogs require exercise, but generally the dangerous, more robust breeds require much more.
4. Train your dog- obedience training trains the owner as much as it trains the dog; lack of obedience training can prove dangerous for the community.
5. Constrain your dog- chaining your dog is not the same as constraining your dog.
6. Limit exposure to untested situations- if your dog is unfamiliar certain situations, such as a busy sidewalk or joggers on a path, do not expose your dog to these situations until you understand what the response will be.
7. When walking your dog- do not walk a powerful dog if you are ill equipped to manage it; use such things as a training collar, short leash or muzzle to aid in management.
Of the dog attack instances accounted for in 2007, 77% induced bodily harm and 73% were attacks to children. Further, when these attacks occur, generally homeowners' insurance policies of the dog owner pay for medical expenses.
However, if the dog owner is not covered by a homeowner policy, the victim may be responsible for his/her own medical bill until action can be taken against the dog owner.
The following are some tips to remember to avoid accidental dog attacks:
* Do not pet a dog without first letting him 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 dog;
* Do not bother a dog that is eating;
* Do not disturb a dog that is caring for puppies; and
* Do not turn your back on a dog and run away.
As an experienced Missouri dog bite lawyer, I am happy to discuss your case with you and answer any questions you may have. If requested, I will immediately and aggressively take action in your personal injury case.
The call and consultation are free. I can be reached 24 hours a day at 314.322.8515 or toll free at 1.800.500.INJURY (4658). Call me personally and I will answer all the questions and concerns you may have. There is no fee unless we recover for you.
If you don't want to call or you can't call, you can email me at john@pagecagle.com. I look forward to speaking with you and helping you through these trying times. You can also visit www.dogbiteclaim.com for more information.
