A growing number of US households are fond of pets, especially cuddly dogs. Different breeds may be chosen based on factors like companionship, social connectedness, protection, and more. In 2023, canines were the most widely owned pets, adored by around 65.1 million US households.
Thousands of them own more than one dog as pets. As good as it may be to have such four-legged furry friends around, the same can be a nuisance for others or even dangerous at times.
Studies have found that annually, over 4.5 million people in the US are bitten by dogs. The most vulnerable groups are children and delivery workers. The only silver lining is that most of these cases involve minor injuries. Some unfortunate ones may cause severe blood loss and even death.
Overall, America seems to be suffering from an epidemic of dog aggression. In this article, we will discuss this problem along with the possible recourse and preventative measures.
Why Our Dogs Are Becoming So Aggressive
It turns out that America’s issue of dog aggression may be attributed to a combination of general and unique factors. There are several reasons why dogs may become aggressive and feel the need to attack. Let’s look at all possible factors in detail.
- Some dogs are habituated to roam around freely without any leash. If for some reason, they were to be put on a leash, they may become aggressive due to fear or frustration. The same may spill over to the nearest person, be it the owner or a stranger.
- Sometimes, the issue may be as simple as someone threatening to invade a dog’s territory. Dogs are territorial by nature and even if a child were to invade their space, they can react aggressively.
- Resource guarding is another reason why dogs attack. For instance – someone who touches or meddles with a dog’s toys or food could end up injured.
- One of the most common causes of dog aggression is fear. If a canine feels threatened or cornered, it may growl, bark, or attack.
- An interesting study even attributed an increase in dog aggression to rising temperatures. The extreme heat wave of 2024 contributed to dog fury, which was comparatively low on cool rainy days.
From the points discussed above, it is clear that the problem of dog aggression is a complex one. Some breeds are known to be ferocious. Others become so due to circumstantial reasons.
The Legal Recourse Following Dog Bites
Now, simply knowing that dog bite cases are on the rise and their causes offers no concrete respite. It still stands to reason who is to take the blame, the dog or their owner? Even here, there can be no one-size-fits-all answer.
Can the victim of a dog bite seek legal support for compensation? Yes, but whether their case will be taken up depends on the particular state’s statutes and laws. Let’s take two different examples to demonstrate our point.
The state of Mississippi follows a one-bite rule law. This means the victim/plaintiff must prove in court that the dog that bit them had done something similar before. The premise is laid on the fact that since the dog had shown signs of aggressiveness, its owner must be aware. Hence, they can be held liable for a subsequent attack.
Other states do not cling to the one-bite rule. Colorado would be an extremely contrasting example because it follows a strict liability law. This means a dog owner in this state would be responsible for a greater degree of liability. Let’s explain using an incident that recently occurred with a woman in Colorado Springs.
She was viciously attacked by a dog just outside her apartment complex. The canine began to pull at her arm after biting. The owners pulled the dog off of the woman but did nothing to offer medical aid. Later, she was rushed to the hospital where she received 12 stitches. The dog was taken away under the custody of animal law enforcement until its owners appeared in court.
Suppose this was the first-ever instance of the said dog attacking someone. Even so, the woman could seek compensation with the help of a Colorado Springs personal injury lawyer. Due to strict liability, the owners must cover all economic damages.
According to the Springs Law Group, the victim can focus on their healing as their attorney guides them through the legal environment. If it is somehow found that the dog had a previous record of attacks or aggression, the plaintiff could recover both economic and non-economic damages. Depending on the state, proper legal recourse may be available.
Ways to Stay Safe
It is good to know that necessary legal support is available for victims of dog bites. However, every individual must play their role in staying safe. This includes dog owners, delivery workers, parents, etc. Let’s look at a few ways to this end.
- Children must be discouraged from going near strange dogs. Also, parents must not let them pet, coddle, or feed until the animal is well-acquainted with the child.
- Understanding a dog’s body language is very important. Unless they feel threatened, most canines will not attack. Never stare directly into their eyes. Look away and stay calm.
- If a dog is starting to get agitated, deter it using a firm low voice. Command them to “sit” or say “no.” Use any nearby object to create a barrier. It could be a backpack, coat, etc.
- In case a dog chases to attack, resist the urge to run. Instead, try climbing onto an elevated position like on top of a car. If there is no such way of escape, fall face down and curl into a ball. Use your arms to protect the head and neck.
- Dog owners must recognize signs of aggression. If the trigger is a lack of socializing, take your dog out more often.
- The canine can be enrolled into a behavior modification program where they learn healthier responses.
Overall, it is interesting and worrisome to note that dog bite cases emerge the highest in households with three or more dogs. Certain breeds may be more prone to quick aggression than others. The first responsibility lies with pet parents to ensure their canines are well-trained and socialized.
Punishments must be avoided but discipline is essential to nip any aggression in the bud. In case of valid reasons, the dog’s triggers need to be addressed. It is not just money that hangs in the balance but precious lives. It doesn’t take much for simple neglect to turn into a regrettable disaster.
