Posted on 11/23/2013 6:43:02 AM PST by DCBryan1
LITTLE ROCK (KATV)--After recent dog attacks and even some that resulted in deaths, Channel 7 explains what liabilities dog owners face after their dog attacks.
Attorney Gary Green said a common misconception is the "one-bite" rule.
Many still believe that if their dog bites for the first time, they're not liable.
However, Green said in this day in age, where attacks are becoming too common, that rule is like an old wives tale.
In the last year, we have reported at least six dog attacks, the most recent; an attack on Thursday in Hot Springs Village, resulting in the death of a 75-year old woman.
While the village has no criminal statute for dog attacks, other counties and cities do, which could result in criminal charges for dog owners.
"You could be looking at up to manslaughter or some type of Class A Misdemeanor at least if someone is killed," said Green.
Green says the "one-bite" rule is no longer applicable in many dog attack cases. He adds, even if an owner asks why they're responsible if they didn't see it coming?
"The breed in itself breeds foreseeability, if that person who is asking me that question owns a Pit Bull, you should have seen it coming," adds Green.
He goes on to say that when it comes to bigger dogs and breeds known for fighting or protecting owners; such as Pit Bulls, Bull Mastiffs and Dobermans, it's best to keep a close eye on them and avoid possible attacks.
"You better keep them pinned up, you better be watching your dogs and as they grow older and crankier, be aware of that before it becomes a problem," said Green.
Not only can a dog owner face criminal charges, but civil suits are also brought forth.
(Excerpt) Read more at katv.com ...
Dog bites person = dog put down = owner shells out BIG BUCKS.
Where did he/she say anything about attacking you? If I am walking down the street minding my OWN business, and a dog attacks me, I want the carcass AND 'big bucks'. Lesson learned. Buy a leash and/or a pen.
Wow Thanks! Great point!!
Why must you abandon every shred of common sense?? It’s sad that I have to clarify for people like you that: Yes, if you are being attacked by a bad guy it is FINE for your dog to attack the bad guy (although, I’d prefer a hollow point).
For the record (and especially for Teddy), I’d like to clearly state that I am refering to a dog attacking a person without obvious reason similar to situations described in the article. If however, someone attacks you or your family (as Teddy so aptly points out) I believe it s fine for your dog to bite them.
Well, that is stating the blindingly obvious is it not? Not what I was taking about.
i understood your point.
We always adopt our dogs from the shelter.
maybe for chihuahuas. Anything tough you need at least a .40, thats from dozens of verified shootings of “pit bull type” dogs. They absorb 9mms like kibble. .40 will drop most any dog with one shot
It is black and white from the standpoint of my dog biting someone in an indefensible situation...like a pitbull attacking a 4 year old.
I just figured (this being a conservative site and all) that I could count on some common sense barriers being understood. My mistake.
So I just poked a hole in the blanket.
Not my fault that it was ill thought out.
I quote "My rule has always been: dog bites person = dog put down. Is that hard?
There are a number of scenarios where a dog biting a human is not only justifiable but praise worthy.
Common sense would have suggested that a simple blanket rule that makes no allowances for situation will always be wrong.
I’d like to clearly state that I am refering to a dog attacking a person without obvious reason similar to situations described in the article.
This article?
He goes on to say that when it comes to bigger dogs and breeds known for fighting or protecting owners; such as Pit Bulls, Bull Mastiffs and Dobermans, it's best to keep a close eye on them and avoid possible attacks.
So the article was referencing unjustified and justified bites.
The guy who is quoted in this article by the way is a ambulance chaser who has been has been disciplined by a state licensing authority.
Fair enough....makes two of us.
“So the article was referencing unjustified and justified bites.”
Seriously? Is there another shadow article here that I didn’t see? Article does not talk about “unjustified and justified bites”...at all. They talk about concerns after several dog attacks resulted in death.
The sentence you cite as evidence that this was a lengthy essay on “why it’s ok for a dog to bite when the owner is being murdered” is only saying you should be especially wary if your dog is of a naturally agressive breed.
We are clearly not going to understand each other at all through this. So, I wish you well.
;^)
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