Antelope Valley Personal Injury Lawyer - Dog Bites

Dog Attacks Unsuspecting Deputy

Rick Patterson — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 18:15:33 GMT

When Deputy David Pike made a house call in response to a complaint pertaining to a damaged mailbox, he got more than he bargained for. The homeowner's German shepherd attacked him biting him in the thigh.

In order to fend off the attack, Deputy Pike used a chemical spray on the dog. Fortunately, the dog did not break the deputy's skin. Due to the attack, the owner of the dog was issued a notice pertaining to the new classification of the German shepherd as a potentially dangerous dog. More than fair, I would say.

The dog's owner was informed that if the German Shephard were to bite another person, it could be then classified as a dangerous dog. Did he say "could be"!!! Amazingly, the dog's owner, became enraged when given the form and information that if the dog does bite again, it would be required to be kept in an enclosure, be microchiped and public postings would be also required.

How dare he be outraged. It is the public that should be outraged. As it is, this dog is free to attack another unsuspecting victim who will be justifiably outraged when he/she finds out this is not the first time this dog has attacked. Clearly, this man is not willing to take the proper precautions to protect others from his pet, so we must do that for him.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Rick Patterson

Dog Bites on the Rise in Raleigh

Rick Patterson — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:08:38 GMT

Dog bites are a concern in many cities. Many people feel the current laws do little to protect the public at large. Raleigh, North Carolina is no exception. Raleigh residents in particular have reason for concern, as there has been a steady increase in reported dog bites in their town.

In 2007, there were 367 bites reported, which was a 56 percent increase over 2000, and the numbers are still rising. Raleigh has experienced quite a lot of growth and with that, increases of all kinds are to be expected. Although, there is no denying the numbers are disconcerting.

Part of the problem is, with as many dog bites as there are in the area, few dogs in Raleigh are declared dangerous. Despite the increase in attacks, just two or three dogs each year are declared dangerous by Raleigh's animal control officers. In fact, the law does not hold a dog owner responsible for a first attack. It really makes little sense that the victim be attacked and then foot the bills that arise out of that attack. Sure, the attack may have been unforeseen, but that is hardly a good reason to bill the victim as opposed to the owner. Many laws are simply antiquated when it comes to dogs, and medical cost, way back when, were simply not what they are today. Lawmakers really do need to consider holding dog owners financially liable for harm to victims of their pets whether it be the first offense or not. It is simply the right thing to do.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Rick Patterson

Pit Bull Fights off Master's Would-be Attacker

Rick Patterson — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 16:28:37 GMT

One would think that it would be a pretty safe bet that a would-be attacker would shy away from attacking a dog owner when she is in the company of her pit bull. One would think.

Last Thursday in Troutdale, Oregon, a man attacked a 19-year-old woman when her pit bull came to her rescue. The pit bull bit the attacker who swiftly left the scene and the woman. The man responsible for the attack is said to be between 25 to 30 years old, 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds. Now there's a case of biting off more than you can possibly chew.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Rick Patterson

Ving Rhames' Dogs Cleared in Death Case

Rick Patterson — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 16:14:55 GMT

You may recall five months ago when actor Ving Rhames left a good friend and caretaker Jacob Adams at his home while he was on a movie shoot. Rhames was subsequently informed that Adams was found dead the lawn of Rhames' Brentwood home and the 4 dogs on the property had been quarantined pending an investigation under suspicion of a dog attack causing the death.

That investigation has wrapped up, and the conclusion by The Los Angeles County Coroner's office is that although there were dog bites on the victims body, those bites were not fatal. Because police suspected Rhames' dogs of having mauled his caretaker, they quarantined Rhames' three bull mastiffs and one English bulldog. It "seemed" to be an obvious conclusion. However, Coroner Spokesman Ed Winter stated that the cause of death to Mr. Adam was actually due a pre-existing condition called intravascular sickling. The dogs have since been released into Rhames' custody. It is believed that Rhames will relocate the dogs to an estate in Texas.

Additional information pertaining to property owner's liability

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Rick Patterson

Alaska Leads Nation in Dog Bite Injuries

Rick Patterson — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:12:54 GMT

Alaska Leads Nation in dog bite Injuries. According to the state's dog bite fatality database and the Alaska Trauma Registry, between the years 1991 through 2002, Alaska had the most dog bite injuries, including deaths, in the nation.

There has been a yearly rate of 4.6 injuries per 100,000 people in Alaska. State officials are interested in educating the public on avoiding dog injuries. Many times a dog reacts to a person's approach. The state will attempt to educate the public through more school field trips to animal shelters and public service announcements.

Please visit the this site for invaluable information on how to approach a dog

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Rick Patterson

Plan to Tighten Dangerous Dog Law Abroad

Rick Patterson — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 17:07:05 GMT

The safety of people as it pertains to dog bites has long been a concern here in the U.S. and abroad. Recently, in Scotland, a new law to control dogs deemed to be dangerous has been in the Scottish Parliament.

Alex Neil, a member of the Scottish Labor Party (SLP) wants courts to impose "dog orders" for dangerous pets. The proposed "dog orders" would ensure dogs were micro-chipped and kept under strict conditions.
The "dog orders" would not be breed specific. Neil believes that the emphises should shift from "breed to deed." Many people are against the deed v. breed proposal given the propensity of some breeds for violence.

Currently, there is a Dangerous Dogs Act in place. However, Neil is not impressed with the loopholes in that particular Act. For example, just last month, a Rottweiler killed a baby boy in West Yorkshire. Yet, Rottweilers are not included in the Dangerous Dog Act. Of further concern is the fact that dog bites in Scotland have doubled in the past ten years. Neil is hopeful that switching the focus from breed to deed will take care of the current loopholes.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Rick Patterson

Dog Bite Prevention Education

Rick Patterson — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 18:37:43 GMT

Dog bites are a serious concern for people, particularly for children. Often dog bites occur because the people interacting with dogs need education regarding that interaction and how to keep it fun and free of danger.

England's leading behaviourist Kiran Brice, premotes educational course focusing on interacting with dogs safely. Brice said " We are seeing quite a lot of young dogs having puppies which are being put to sleep because they have nipped or bitten a child at home.These are not aggressive dogs but there have been situations where the child didn't know how to interact with the dog."

There have been terrible cases such as the one when a young child pushed its way into the bed of a female dog with her puppies. Out of being protective, the mother growled and bit the child in the face. Hardly the dogs fault. Such a sad case, and there are many more like it. The first course is booked solid. They are hopefull the course will become a permanent thing.

More Information Petaining to Personal Injury

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Rick Patterson

Dog Safety Sought by Apple Valley Residents

Rick Patterson — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 18:39:36 GMT

The City Council of Apple Valley will hear the first reading of the new ordinance pertaining to dog safety in the community and may approve it as early as October 25, 2007. The new ordinance allows for a more detailed description of what is meant by "proper enclosure." It also bans dangerous dogs from all areas of the city except industrial zones.

"A truly dangerous dog is not something we want in a residential area," Apple Valley Mayor Mary Hamann-Roland said. Currently there are no "dangerous dogs" in the city, according to Police Chief Scott Johnson." A dangerous dog is defined as "any breed of dog that bites a person inflicting substantial bodily harm, kills a domestic animal, or after being declared a potentially dangerous dog, bites, attacks or endangers the safety of a human being or domestic animal." Dangerous dogs must also be kept on a leash and must be muzzled. Some are concerned with the expense of enclosures. As understandable as that is, public safety must come first.

Information pertaining to personal injury

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Rick Patterson

Animal Control in Nassau

Rick Patterson — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 19:02:19 GMT

Nassau County Animal Care and Control will contract for an independent review of operations at their operation. This independent review is due to the fact that the failings of Animal Control have been all over the paper for some time now.

The paper has run stories of all kinds of disasters involving Animal Control. The question seems to be "Does Animal Control arbitrarily pick up some pets while leaving others at large? Are pets arbitrarily euthanized?" Many is Nassau County believe the answers are yes. A large part of the problem appears to be failed management, poor record keeping, constant staff turnover, poor conditions at the shelter, lack of food and supplies.

Fortunately, many residents will not stand for innocent animals being victimized. The people of Nassau County want and need new leadership to solve the Animal Control problems. And they are on their way to getting that. I am hopeful that spay and neutering programs will be high on that list.

Additional informaiton pertaining to dog bites and personal injury.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Rick Patterson

Aggressive Dog Bites the Face of a Child

Rick Patterson — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 18:12:48 GMT

Another child is seriously hurt due to a dog bite from an aggressive dog. The two-year-old child was rushed to the hospital after the large bullmastiff dog attacked.

The dog attack happened in Florida. The child was in a residence in Saint John's County this morning. She has been taken to Wolfson Children's Hospital.A St. Johns County Animal Control team arrived soon after the incident. They intend to remove the animal. This story is still developing.

For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Property Owners' Liability.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Rick Patterson