Dog Attacks
Dog owners have a responsibility to train and control their dogs, keeping them leashed in public and teaching them to react calmly toward strangers. However, some dog owners neglect this responsibility. As a result, about 4 million people in the U.S. are bitten by a dog each year. Although some bites are minor, a dog bite can be a devastating injury, especially for a young child or if the dog is malicious and relentless in its attack.
If you own a dog, it is important to give it the training and proper care it needs to ensure that it will not harm an innocent person. However, even the most responsible pet owners may still own a dog that attacks unexpectedly. It is important for everyone, especially those with small children, to understand how to approach a dog safely and to take steps to reduce the chances of being attacked.
Reducing the Risk of a Dog Attack
Even dogs that seem friendly can become dangerous if they feel intimidated or scared. It is never a smart idea to approach a strange dog, even if you are a dog-lover. However, when you meet an unfamiliar dog, it is important to keep this advice in mind to reduce the risk of an attack:
- Keep away from the dog if its owner is not present. A dog’s owner can tell you if the dog is safe to approach or if the dog has certain fears or dangerous actions. Approaching a strange dog without an owner greatly increases the chance of a dog bite.
- Hold out your hand to allow the dog to sniff you. Dogs have an incredibly sharp sense of smell, and often the scent of a person can make a dog scared or uneasy. Curl your fingers in to make a fist and allow the dog to sniff you before approaching further or attempting to touch it.
- Evaluate the dog’s reaction. Is it relaxed and friendly with a wagging tail? If so, it is probably safe to pet it on the back or the shoulders. If instead the dog growls, barks, pulls its ears back, or bares its teeth, drop your hand and back away slowly to avoid further intimidation or danger.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked by a dog, contact the Bronx personal injury attorneys of Parker Waichman Alonso, LLP at 1-888-244-2273 to discuss your case.
