Dogs have a reputation for being “man’s best friend,” and for many children, a good family dog can be a source of joy and companionship. However, when dogs feel scared, angry, or threatened, they may become aggressive, and young children are often the ones who suffer the consequences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children are not only more likely to be bitten by a dog than adults, but their dog bite injuries also tend to be more serious. As a parent, you can help your children avoid dog bite injuries using a few effective strategies. Regardless, a California pet owner may be held liable for injuries inflicted by his dog depending on the circumstances. 

How to Reduce the Risk of a Dog Bite

The key to preventing dog bite injuries is often helping your children understand a dog’s behavior and how they should act around a dog. Here are some suggestions that can keep your children safe:

While most dogs live up to their reputation as “man’s best friend,” it is important to remember that some dogs do pose a danger to people. Dogs who have been bred and trained for the purposes of fighting or guarding can be especially vicious animals. According to the California Department of Public Health, nearly 80 percent of all the animal bite injuries that took place in California between 2006 and 2010 were caused by domestic dogs. Across the country, about 750,000 dog bite victims require medical care each year. When a dog bites another person because the owner of the dog was negligent, the owner can be held liable for any damages caused by the bite.

Young Girl Brutally Mauled by Akita While Visiting Kennel

Recently, a 7-year-old girl was severely injured after she was attacked by a dog at a nonprofit Akita rescue kennel in Romoland, California. The attack was so brutal that the young girl needed an astounding 1,000 stitches and three hours of surgery. Because the bites were primarily to her face, it is possible that the girl will be permanently disfigured as a result of the bites. Disturbingly, the dog was listed on the nonprofit’s Facebook page as looking for “a kid he can play with.”

What makes this story even worse is that this attack is not the first one which has occurred at the kennel. In fact, animal service officers discovered that five other serious dog bite incidents involving dogs from this kennel have occurred since 2013. Because of the severity of this most recent attack, law enforcement officers are seeking a destruction order for the Akita who mauled the young girl. 

When an individual is bitten by a dog, it can be a traumatic experience. Estimates suggest that approximately 4.5 million people in the United States will sustain a dog bite related injury this year. In fact, statistics involving the act by man’s proclaimed best friend account for the following:

• More than one-third of all homeowner liability claims;
• Over 6,500 attacks on U.S. Postal Service carriers;
• Nearly a one-in-five chance of infection; and
• Increased probability of undergoing reconstructive surgery.

Every 75 seconds someone experiences an encounter with an aggressive or protective canine in the United States—an encounter in which the handler or owner may be at fault.

Although dog bite laws vary state by state, California has seen an increase in dangerous dogs, and bites can occur as a result of improper handling or ignorance of dog bite laws.

Each year, approximately five million dog bites occur throughout the United States according to the CDC. The locations of the injuries range anywhere between a finger or ankle nip to facial attacks and broken bones. Death is also a very real possibility, especially in cases involving children and large dogs.

In response to the prevalence of dog bites, California became a strict liability state—a dog that bites is the full responsibility of the owner. Dog bite law does not solely govern vicious attacks but any incident where the tooth of a dog breaks the skin. Those suffering from a dog-inflicted wound often have pressing questions about what to do next.

What Do I Do if I Have Been Bitten?

Dog bites have the potential to cause a significant amount of damage. Even in with small dogs, a well-placed attack can cause life-long injury, disfigurement, or even death. In incidents where the victim is a child, especially those under the age of five years, the effects are often especially heinous. The laws surrounding these vicious canine attacks are unique to this age group.

Higher Risk Factor in Children

Children are more likely to sustain a bite from an animal than an adult. Dog owners should be aware of their dog’s behavior, from their body language to history. Additionally, with strangers, these owners should always use extra caution upon the first few introductions.