JENKINTOWN PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

Kids will be kids, and sometimes, they can get too aggressive with a neighbor’s dog, resulting in a dog bite. In the United States each year, 4.7 million dog bites are estimated to occur, half of which happen to our pre-teens. Amazingly enough, 70% of all dog bite fatalities occur among children under ten years of age. A dog will turn on someone and attack for many reasons. Below are five reasons why a dog might bite:

1. Dogs consider toys and food their property. They become possessive and attack if they think someone is trying to take it away from them. This can also be true for a person in the family, as well as their yard, which they consider their territory.
2. Dogs can be afraid just like any other animal. If a situation occurs that causes the dog to be fearful, they may strike out and bite. For example, if the dog is in an unfamiliar place and a stranger tries to pet them, they may become afraid and bite.
3. Any animal in pain can become a biter. If a dog is sick or has any type of chronic pain, they may become angry and bite.
4. As in most animals, dogs have very strong maternal instincts. If a dog thinks that its puppies are in danger, she will defend them aggressively.
5. Dogs have prey instinct. If they see a cyclist or a jogger, they may attack.

It is very important for parents to educate their children on what and what not to do around dogs.  The more that children know about how dogs react in certain situations, the less likely they are to become a victim of a dog bite. Here are some safe child behavior rules they need to follow:

• Running at, hitting, or kicking at a dog could provoke an attack. A child should never treat a dog unkindly.
• A dog should never be bothered when she is attending to her puppies. If a dog is eating or playing with a toy, children should stay away until the dog comes to them.
• If you don’t know a dog, don’t approach it. If they don’t recognize you, they could become afraid and attack. Never approach a dog that is tied up or in a car.
• Whenever children are around dogs, they should be calm and speak in a quiet voice.  Loud voices can startle a dog and they may react violently.
• If a dog that they don’t know approaches a child, they should not make eye contact.  They should stand still with their hands to their sides.

Of course you can educate your children to the dangers of being around unfamiliar dogs, but at times, that may not be enough to keep them from becoming a victim of a dog bite. If a dog has bitten you or your child, you may have questions concerning your legal rights. The attorneys at MMK Law are experienced in these matters and are available to help you. Please call us today in Philadelphia at 215-545-1870, or we can be reached in Allentown at 610-366-1414. Of course, you can always call us toll-free at 215-545-1870 (9675).