In June of this year, a mother was walking home with her daughters and niece in the Bronx when they were attacked by two pit bulls. All of the victims were left with bite wounds and scratches after the dogs had somehow gotten away from their owners and charged at the group- the owners reportedly did very little to stop the attack.
The following July, two pit bull attacks within one week rocked the community of Oceanside in the Town of Hempstead, resurfacing a controversial topic about the breed’s safety:
Another attack by a pit bull was reported the following month in Manhattan. The incident left a King Charles spaniel in Washington Heights with a disfigured jaw and the owner with defensive scratches from attempting to fight off the dog that would not stop circling her while out for a walk.
Man’s best friend has been used for decades as a method for reducing stress, anxiety, and even physically guiding humans who require assistance due to disabilities. But not all dogs are cuddly and supportive, in fact, some are nothing more than deadly and dangerous. In a study published by DogBite.org examining dog attack fatalities between 2005 to 2016, approximately 433 Americans were killed by vicious canine attacks. Sadly, 208 of these fatalities were children under the age of nine years old, a population much more likely to be trusting and open to dogs even when they appear to be dangerous.
Every year, there are an astounding 4.5 million dog bites reported according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)- about one dog bite every 75 seconds! Dog bites can lead to serious injuries and infections as highlighted by MedicineNet, including:
It’s estimated that about 1 in every 5 dog bites becomes infected after an attack, which can lead to serious illnesses, health conditions, and even death. While some injuries can be repaired with simple antiseptic and band-aids, other require serious medical care and surgery. Annually, around 27,000 victims of dog bites are forced to undergo reconstructive surgery from their attack, costing victims on average $18,200 just for a dog-bite related hospital stay.
Dog advocates around the country are adamant that owners are the number one factor of how dangerous a dog is to the public. Studies may show evidence that dogs are not born aggressive, yet the statistics regarding which breeds cause the most deadly attacks also do not lie.
DogBite.org revealed a study showing the number of fatalities linked to each breed over a 13-year study on fatal dog attacks. Out of the 433 deaths examined in the country, these breeds were responsible for the following deaths:
Almost all of the serious and fatal dog attacks within the New York City and Long Island communities over the last few months have been traced back to pit bulls. Arguments could be made that aggressive owners are drawn to these types of dogs, which is causing their vicious behaviors. Feelings aside, there remains an enormous problem to be addressed when it comes to breeds with historical patterns of violent behaviors- these dogs are permanently damaging and killing people.
New York residents have rights to a safe community without the fear of being mauled by aggressive dogs. Owning a dog is a privilege in the state, not a right, and there are laws that must be followed to keep communities safe from unnecessary and preventable dog attacks.
Most laws are locally based when it comes to leash requirements and areas where dogs are allowed in public. When it comes to determining ‘dangerous dogs’, New York State has its own protocols to follow when a complaint is made by a witness or victim of a dog attack. NYS defines a ‘dangerous dog’ as an animal who…
Each municipality is required to name either a dog control/peace officer or employ their local police officers, to respond to situations where a dog attack occurs. These officers have the right to seize any dog who meets the following criteria:
When a dog is seized, a proceeding will be commenced to make a decision about what to do about the animal. Unfortunately, euthanizing violent dogs is generally the outcome of a serious dog attack, especially when there is no guarantee that the animal will not hurt or kill again once released.
Dog owners or pedestrians just out for a walk are being placed in an impossible position when coming up against an aggressive dog on the streets, particularly when they are off of a leash. The CDC recommends following these precautionary steps when encountering a possibly dangerous dog in public:
In the terrifying scenario where you are bitten by a dog, following these steps can be extremely helpful for the most favorable outcome when it comes to your health and safety:
Vicious dogs have no place in our communities and can put the lives of our residents at risk. If you or a loved one has sustained an injury or illness as a result of a dog bite, our expert personal injury attorneys at Siler & Ingber are here to fight for you. Our winning team is experienced in dog bite cases, keeping your well being and safety as a top priority throughout the entire process. Call 1-877-LAW-4343 for a free consultation to explore your options and to seek justice for your unnecessary accident.