Learning how to behave around dogs and other household pets is a common part of growing up. However, Minnesota parents and their children are not the only ones responsible for preventing dangerous dog bites. Owners should also exercise care and caution with their animals, and take necessary action to curb aggressive behaviors when they show up. Sadly, many owners do not take this responsibility as seriously as they should.
Small child injured
A child in another state was recently airlifted to a hospital after she was attacked by a dog. The dog in question had a history of aggressive behavior and was ultimately put down. Because the dog was not up to date on its rabies vaccine at the time of the attack, officials had to perform a rabies test as well. The results for that test were negative.
A history of biting
Authorities have records of biting incidents that go all the way back to 2017, when it bit one of its owners on the arm and put her in the hospital. At the time it was also behind on its rabies vaccination and had to be quarantined. The next bite was in 2018 and involved the same woman, when she was hospitalized for a second time. In 2019 the dog bit a different child in the face, causing a level four bite, which is categorized as a bite that:
- Is a single bite
- Has anywhere from one to four punctures
- Has one puncture deeper than at least half as long as the dog’s canine tooth
Irresponsible animal owners put everyone at risk for potential injury. Children are especially vulnerable, as their faces are often at or near level with dogs’ mouths. In Minnesota, victims can even hold negligent dog owners responsible for dog bites, and may be able to secure compensation for things like medical bills, emotional trauma and pain and suffering.
