Missouri Dog Bite Law: Which Dogs Bite?
Dog bites send over 800,000 Americans to the doctor each year. Most of those bitten by dogs are children, and most dog bite sufferers know the dog and/or its owner. Many believe they have a friendship with the dog until it suddenly bites them. In order to help prevent dog bites, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other research groups have gathered statistics on which dogs are more likely to bite people.
Researchers found that the breeds involved in most of the bites they studied were German shepherds, chows, pit bull terriers, and poodles. They also found that most of the bites they studied were inflicted by dogs that were younger, between one and five years of age. Male dogs seemed to bite more often than female dogs, and a male dog who had not been neutered was probably more likely to bite than a male dog who had been neutered. Finally, a large percentage of the bites researchers examined were given by dogs that were tied or chained up in their yards.
These statistics can help you identify dogs that may be more likely to bite. However, it’s important to remember that any dog, no matter its age, breed, or temperament, may bite under the right conditions. Missouri law provides rights and options for residents who have suffered a dog bite. If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog in Missouri, call the experienced St. Louis dog bite attorneys at Page Law today. We’ll examine the details of your case and help you hold any negligent parties accountable for their actions. For a free consultation, call us today at 314-322-8515.
