Understanding The Basics Of Your Dog Biting Someone
As a dog owner, it's in your best interest to understand the risks and laws surrounding dog bites. You need to be sure that you know how to protect yourself and your dog, as well as others that your dog may encounter. In the event that your dog does bite someone, you will need to find a way to defend yourself and your dog against those charges. Here are a few things that you need to know.
Is There A One-Bite Law?
Some states have a law on the books, typically referred to as a one-bite law, that allows a dog to get away with their very first bite instance. If your dog has never bitten anyone before, you can reach out to a dog bite attorney about formulating a defense that focuses on the one-bite law, should your state have one.
Just keep in mind that, should you use the one-bite defense, you may face legal problems after the fact if your dog bites another person. Your dog will then be considered a second-time offender, which will likely lead to significant penalties.
What If Your Dog Was Sick?
This question is a two-fold issue. If your dog is sick, and that illness caused the dog to bite, the courts will look at the overall situation. If the illness is something treatable, such as seizures or a broken bone, and your dog was simply lashing out because he or she was in pain or in the midst of a seizure, the courts may require that the dog undergo complete treatment and sustain their health.
However, if the dog is sick with rabies or something of that sort, the courts will likely order that your pup be put down after it's bitten someone. In addition, you may be liable for the medical bills incurred for that person to undergo treatment for the disease.
Can Your Dog Be Deemed Dangerous?
In some cases, you may find yourself facing a legal declaration that your dog is a dangerous dog. For example, if you own an aggressive breed, your dog has a history of aggressive behavior, or you are unable to control your pup, the courts may declare your dog a dangerous one. If that happens, you might be required to keep your dog on a leash or chain at all times outside your home, and you may have to muzzle the dog when you go out in public.
Make sure you understand the court's orders when you receive a dangerous dog declaration for the pup. That way, you can be sure to adhere to the law and reduce your risk of losing your dog.
Talk with a dog bite attorney right away if your dog has threatened or injured anyone. The sooner you get legal advice, the better your chances of a positive outcome. Click here for info on dog bite laws, or visit other websites for more information.
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