Although many individuals are hesitant to report dog bites for fear of having the dog put down, this is not always the case. Many dogs reported for biting or attacking are eventually returned to their owners’ care. Dog bites should always be reported to the local health commissioner in the area where the dog bite occurred. This is vital for your protection and the safety of others and is also mandated by law in most states. To learn more, talk to an experienced personal injury attorney today.
What happens to the dog?
In most circumstances, nothing happens to the dog; it may be isolated for a few days (usually at the dog owner’s home). However, if the attack is vicious or other circumstances are met, the local animal control authority or court may issue orders forcing the dog to be confined or slaughtered. In some states, a dog can be declared a “vicious dog” or a “potentially dangerous dog.”
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A “potentially dangerous dog” must be kept indoors or in a fenced-in yard that is both child-proof and escape-proof. When it is not on the owner’s premises, it must be restrained by an adequate leash and controlled by a responsible adult.
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A “vicious dog” can be put down, or severe conditions can be imposed for the public’s protection if the dog is allowed to live.
Victims of dog bites usually do not want anything to happen to the dog. If the victim’s local animal control department has not been alerted, he or she can advise his or her attorney not to notify them. The attorney is obligated to do the client’s bidding in terms of notifying authorities (as well as anything else impacting the client’s rights). As a result, a victim can be confident that nothing will happen to a dog against his or her will.
If the victim is obliged to attend a “dangerous dog hearing,” they should speak with an attorney. Animal control departments’ procedures in “dog court” hearings may unintentionally jeopardize the victim’s rights. As a result, a victim and their loved ones should not communicate with animal control authorities until their lawyer has reviewed the city and county ordinances, obtained the department’s commitment to which laws and procedures they will follow, and has confidence that the problems addressed elsewhere in Dog Bite Law will be resolved fairly.
If you want more information about dog bite laws, speak to an experienced personal injury attorney today.
