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According to the Center for Disease Control, every year approximately 4.5 million Americans are victims of dog attacks. Of those, nearly a million bites will become infected and require extensive medical care and treatment. Dog bites can easily cause grave injury, disfigurement, and pain and suffering. Even minor bites can become infected and lead to serious complications. Tragically, the majority of fatal injuries from dog bites occur to children between the ages of 5 and 9.
Many dog bites can be prevented, provided both human parents and pet owners act responsibly. Pet owners have a responsibility to ensure that their dogs are safe and not a threat to the children around them. After all, even the sweetest and friendliest dog can suddenly attack out of fear or surprise.
Parents also have a responsibility to teach their children proper pet safety. Understanding the dangers, addressing concerns, and educating family members are key to preventing devastating dog attacks.
Pet Owner Responsibilities to Prevent Dog Bites
Pet owners are legally responsible for their dogs and for the injuries their dog causes. This means that if your dog harms another person, you can be held liable. As such, it is important to take the necessary steps to prevent dog bites from occurring.
Pet parent responsibilities include:
- Follow all leash laws in your community
- Install a fence or invisible fence in your yard
- Train your dog to obey commands
- Spay or neuter your dog
- Seek professional training help if your dog displays aggressive behaviors
Parent Responsibilities to Prevent Dog Bites
Parents should never allow their small children to play with dogs unsupervised, even family-owned dogs. In addition, it is important that parents teach their children how to behave safely around both dogs they know and dogs they may encounter in public. Children are at an increased risk for sustaining serious and sometimes fatal dog bite injuries. Children may unknowingly provoke an attack because they lack the understanding they need to avoid injury. With a little education and care, you can protect your child from becoming a victim of a dog attack.
All parents should teach their children the following pet safety rules:
- Never pet a dog without first asking the owner if it is safe
- Let a dog sniff the back of your hand before petting it for the first time
- Never disturb a sleeping dog
- Never try to pet a dog that is eating
- Never grab a dog from behind
- Be still if a strange dog approaches you
- Don’t run away from a strange dog
- Don’t trespass through other people’s yards
Have You Been Injured by a Dog?
If you or your child has been injured by a dog, it is important to review all of your legal options before settling your claim. The New Jersey dog bite lawyers at Rosner Law Offices, P.C., P.C. can help you get the compensation you deserve. We know the complications that can arise after a serious dog bite injury, and we work tirelessly for all our dog bite victims and their families. Contact us at (856) 502-1655 today to schedule your free initial case evaluation.