It can be concerning to think about a dog biting you, as most individuals tend to imagine dogs as man’s best friend. According to Canine Journal, there are close to 5 million dog bites each year. This post will look at things you may need to know about dog bites.
Why do dogs bite?
Typically, a dog bites if it is frightened or feels threatened. However, a dog may attack completely unprovoked.
When this happens, it’s time to take action. An unprovoked animal that attacks may have a history of abuse or trauma, a lack of training or both. These animals are likely to strike again.
Are there warning signs?
Sometimes, dogs can give a warning to humans when they feel provoked to the point of attack. Signs that a dog is warning you that he or she is feeling provoked include:
- Growling or snapping their teeth
- Tenseness
- Raised fur
- Avoiding eye contact
Are certain dogs more likely to bite?
Pit bulls have a reputation for biting because of the damage they can do. Surprisingly, a recent study by The Atlantic reported that Chihuahuas are the most aggressive breed. However, bites from this small breed are not usually concerning.
Any breed of dog could be dangerous, including the loveable Golden Retriever. Any time you are near an unfamiliar animal, you should exercise caution. Even a friendly animal could accidentally injure you.
Always be sure to ask a pet owner for permission to approach their animal.
Who is liable for dog bites?
According to Connecticut law, a pet owner is liable for their animal actions, regardless of whether they were intentional, if the animal was unprovoked.
You have three years to report a dog bite before the statute of limitations is up. After this point, you will no longer be able to seek compensation for the injury or property damage.
If you have been bitten by an animal, contact the local authorities to document the incident and seek medical attention. From there, an attorney can help you enforce repercussions to negligent pet owners.
