Dog attacks often take a victim by surprise, but attacks rarely come out of nowhere– there are usually warning signs. Knowing when a dog is preparing to attack could avoid injuries due to dog bites.
Dog owners must prevent their animals from harming others and can be legally liable if their dog bites someone. However, understanding the common causes of dog bites in Inverness and taking steps to avoid risky situations is the best policy. If you do suffer a dog bite, contact a skilled attorney for help holding the owner responsible.
Laws Pertaining to Dog Owner Responsibility
Dog ownership comes with responsibilities. Citrus County Ordinance § 14-40 prohibits animals running at large. Dog owners must keep them leashed when they are not on their private property, and the person handling the leash must be strong enough to control the dog.
Florida Statute § 767.04 makes dog owners strictly liable if their dog bites someone. This law applies even if the bite occurred on the Inverness property where the dog lives, unless the person trespassing was the cause. Strict liability means the owner is responsible for paying the bite victim’s losses even if the owner was responsible and did everything they could do to prevent the bite.
People who keep dogs must provide them with proper shelter, food, and water. All dogs must be vaccinated against rabies. Cruelty to animals is against the law, and the animal control officer can seize and impound a dog that is being mistreated.
Understanding Why Dogs Bite
Dogs are territorial animals. When an unknown person approaches a dog’s home or property, they become alert and may feel threatened. Approaching a dog on their property without the owner present is unwise and could lead to a bite. Dogs are protective of their owners. When a dog is with its owner, it is best not to approach unless the owner signals to the dog that the situation is not threatening.
A dog might bite if it is fearful. Dogs that have been physically abused by people are often wary and might act aggressively as a protective mechanism. Dogs will bite if they sense a threat to their puppies or to themselves.
A sick, wounded, or painful dog is more likely to bite than a healthy one. Even a friendly dog might bite someone they know if the person touches or rubs against a sore spot on their body. Any of these examples could cause a dog in Inverness to attack.
Steps to Take to Avoid a Dog Attack
A dog usually gives clear signals when they want a person to back off. Its body language becomes tense, and it might refuse to make eye contact with the person. If the person continues to approach, the dog might try to move away to signal it wants its space. If the dog is defending its property, owner, or puppies, it might take more assertive measures. It could try to make itself look bigger by taking a tall posture, and the hair on its head and neck might stand up. The dog might show its teeth, growl, or bark aggressively before biting.
People in Inverness can limit the common causes of being bitten by paying attention to a dog’s signals and respecting them. Never approach an unknown dog, even if it seems friendly. Children should be taught to always ask the owner before petting a strange dog and accept a no if that is the answer.
Many dog bites happen to children playing with a dog they know. Dogs can get overstimulated easily, and play biting is a natural behavior when dogs play with each other. An excited dog could accidentally hurt a child or adult during vigorous or rough play. Adults should closely supervise children and dogs and separate them if the dog becomes excited.
Contact an Attorney in Inverness About Common Causes of Dog Bites
You can often avoid a dog bite by paying attention to the dog’s behavior and avoiding conduct that a dog might perceive as aggressive or threatening. However, if a bite does occur, you could get compensation from the dog’s owner. Contact an injury lawyer if you or your child is bitten by a dog that belongs to someone else. Get started today by understanding the common causes of dog bites in Inverness.
