It seems that even the slightest dog bite can lead to legal repercussions for the owner in numerous states. Typically, victims will press charges and reach a settlement involving financial and medical compensation. The severity of the bite and the area’s specific laws will dictate the outcome.
Minor dog bites are categorized as non-serious offenses in certain state laws. These can be resolved by providing a warning or paying a small fine. On the other hand, some regions such as California, Texas, etc. have strict regulations against such incidents. If my dog were to bite someone in these areas, I may be required to pay a substantial fine and serve time in prison, depending on the severity and consequences of the bite injury.
Why does the State impose such strict laws?
In response to the recent rise in dog bite incidents, a number of states in the USA and UK have enforced rigorous legislation aimed at safeguarding and shielding the public from uncontrolled and misbehaving pet dogs and their oblivious owners. These regulations, commonly known as Dog Bite Laws, focus on preventing such mishaps.
In addition to providing legal and financial assistance to those affected, these regulations have also been effective in decreasing the overall number of reported rabies cases. Due to the strict handling of such incidents, pet owners are expected to diligently adhere to their dog’s vaccination schedule, which prevents their pets from being exposed to the contagious rabies virus and ultimately results in a reduction in the total number of cases in the area.
What kind of injury counts as a Minor Dog Bite?
A minor dog bite may encompass a variety of injuries, such as a minor scratch or even bite marks that haven’t penetrated the skin. Despite being the least severe type of dog attack, several factors could turn these bites into deadly incidents.
There are various factors to consider when determining the severity of a dog scratch, such as the dog’s health prior to the incident, exposure to infectious agents, post-injury care, and the victim’s own health. Unvaccinated dogs pose a greater risk of transmitting diseases like rabies than those with current vaccination records.
Similarly, this applies to the state of the victim’s health. Someone who is in good health will recuperate quicker and with less difficulty than someone who is already experiencing some form of medical ailment.
Are there any conditions to be met before filing a lawsuit against a minor dog bite?
Although dog bite cases can usually be filed easily under local and regional laws, certain conditions must be fulfilled beforehand.
It is recommended to seek advice from a professional before proceeding with pressing charges as the requirements may vary depending on the region.
Some examples of these are:
- The dog bite must have happened across a public setting or within a lawfully private place.
- The owner must have invited the injured over to their private property on their own accord.
- Your actions prior to the dog bite must in no way violate the state laws or the safety and privacy of the owner.
- The victim should not be found trespassing, attempting to unauthorised entry, threatening or provoking the owner, any family members and even the dog.
- The victim should not be interfering with the work of regulated government agencies using trained dogs, including the military and police.
- The injured should not be threatening or hampering the life of a government agent safeguarded by a trained canine.
Most dog bite laws enforce these specific requirements, so be certain they are being satisfied before considering legal action for a minor dog bite. If not, the accused party and the court have the capability to counter-sue, potentially causing you more hardship.
In addition to these, it is necessary for you to obtain a prescription from one of the authorized doctors affiliated with the Court prior to proceeding with the final steps of initiating a lawsuit. The prescription should detail the potential side effects of the dog bite, including any infections or illnesses, as well as the required treatment, length of treatment, and the name, address, and signature of both the injured individual and the doctor.
How much will I be Compensated for a Minor Dog Bite?
The ultimate penalty is determined by the nature of the harm caused, resulting consequences, and current legal regulations. Nevertheless, typically, compensation for minor dog bites involves the proprietor covering the victim’s medical expenses, either in full or part, as instructed by the court.
In extreme cases, the owner may even have to compensate the injured by not only paying for their medical bills but also with an after-care reimbursement. This fine is decided by the court and neither of the two parties have a say in it.
The individual found guilty must pay the prescribed amount within a specified time frame. Failure to do so results in severe legal repercussions, such as imprisonment, increased penalties, or loss of ownership over the concerned dog. Nevertheless, the court may be forgiving if adequate justifications are provided. Therefore, if the accused is unable to pay the fine, it is advisable to seek assistance from a professional or submit relevant documents to the court to request a legal extension.
What should I do if a dog bites me?
In the event of a dog attack, refer to this guide that provides detailed instructions on how to respond.
- No matter the injury severity, immediately call an ambulance. Also don’t forget to intimate regulatory authorities (police) regarding the mishap.
- Take photographs of the injury or if you have recorded the whole incident, submit the evidence to the police.
- Describe the whole scenario to the officials, identify both the dog and the owner and try not to miss any important details.
- If required, consult a professional dog bite lawyer and sue the guilty as mentioned under the local or regional laws.
Therefore, the aforementioned pertained solely to insignificant dog attacks and whether legal action can be taken against them.
BONUS: Dog training 101 — How to set realistic goals and where to get started
Essentially, dog training can be categorized into two levels. If you want to teach your dog basic manners and skills like sitting, staying, and lying down, you will need a dog trainer. However, if your dog struggles with behavioral issues such as anxiety, aggression or fearfulness, you should consult a dog behavioral expert like Brianna Dick from Pack Leader Help.
“The way that I approach dog training is behavioral psychology based,” says Dick, who is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals. “We’re not looking at just the physical behaviors of dogs. We’re looking at their emotions and the relationship they have with their humans.”
Begin with behavior training if you require training for both abilities, as it is more complex. Although a dog trainer can instruct your dog to sit, a dog behavior consultant is better equipped to assist your dog in managing separation anxiety.
Be realistic.
As stated by Fratt, not every dog will enjoy visiting the dog park just as not every person will develop an affection for attending raves.
Kim Brophey, who owns The Dog Door Behavior Center, is an applied ethologist and a mediator for family dogs. She authored “Meet Your Dog: The Game Changing Guide To Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior”. Brophey utilizes a model named L.E.G.S (learning, environment, genetics, self) to clarify the behavior of dogs. Suppose your guests are being barked at by your dog.
Brophey suggests that the dog breed chosen over centuries to protect against intruders entering your home may be the one you have. As a German shepherd’s natural instinct to protect its territory cannot be trained out, you may have to adjust your anticipations.
Decide how you’d like to train your dog.
There are various training methods available including group classes, one-on-one training, board and train, day training and self-led training. The most common options are the aforementioned. While group classes are cost-effective, they offer lesser personalization. Fratt advises that board and train facilities are pricier and pose more risks.
“If the trainer spends all this time training the dog in this really specific context and then basically just hands you the leash, takes your check and walks away, there’s a very good chance you’re not actually going to be able to implement those new strategies and skills … successfully in your home.”
The decision you make will be based on both your budget and training objectives. In situations where your dog exhibits aggressive behavior towards a housemate, it would not be ideal to undertake training outside of your home.
Keep in mind that training your dog requires your involvement, but it does not need to consume a significant portion of your time. Fratt suggests that she devotes approximately five minutes per day to training. The majority of the assignments given by trainers are enjoyable and straightforward to integrate into your daily routine.
Our experts recommend accessing free or affordable online resources for dog training if you wish to avoid spending a significant amount of money.
- Kikopup on Youtube and Instagram
- Fenzi Dog Sports Academy
- K9 of Mine
On her website, Dick has gathered some resources that are free of charge. Additionally, Fratt offers a set of lessons called Training Tuesday that are also free.
Understand the methodologies.
The field of dog training operates without regulation, allowing individuals with a website, Instagram page, or physical store to proclaim themselves as dog trainers without oversight. Consequently, there is no universally recognized guideline on which techniques to employ while training canines, resulting in differing opinions among trainers. Two main divisions exist among trainers, however.
Fratt belongs to the category of positive reinforcement trainers. To put it simply, positive reinforcement entails rewarding your dog with something pleasant, such as a treat, for exhibiting good behavior in order to encourage a repetition of the action. Another use of positive reinforcement entails giving your dog something good to help them form positive associations with things they perceive as frightening.
Balanced trainers such as Brianna Dick are the second type. They utilize positive reinforcement techniques but are open to integrating corrections such as e-collars in their training.
Dick explains that E-collar training utilizes a remote-controlled collar that emits a stimulus to your dog’s neck, such as a shock, sound, or citronella spray, to provide a correction. E-collars that emit a shock are a point of contention in the dog training community.
Dick advises caution towards trainers who rely on e-collars for every dog, stating that it is a generic method that often produces unsatisfactory outcomes. He suggests seeking out a trainer who takes the time to understand your personal relationship, lifestyle, and interactions with your dog.
Find a good trainer.
Professional associations have compiled extensive lists of positive reinforcement trainers or balanced trainers in your locality. These lists could serve as a great starting point for your search. You can find numerous such associations, some of which are:
- International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
- Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
- The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
- Karen Pryor Academy (KPA)
- Pet Professional Guild
- The Academy for Dog Trainers
- Pat Miller Certified Trainers
Subsequently, conduct interviews by contacting previous clients and determining which trainer provides the most comfortable experience, ascertaining their ability to explicate their training techniques.
Don’t rule out medication.
Altering your dog’s brain chemistry may seem frightening, but if your dog is suffering from fear, anxiety, panic, or aggression that cannot be resolved solely through training, then it should be treated as a medical condition.
Dr. Andrea Y. Tu, a behavior veterinarian and medical director at NYC Behavior Vets, compares it to having a patient with diabetes. Refraining from providing insulin to a dog with diabetes is not an option as it is crucial in balancing its hormonal levels.
“At the end of the day, this is a chemical imbalance. And it needs to be treated.”
Even after attempting various methods like utilizing positive reinforcement training, balanced training, medication, or changing trainers, what should you do if none of them seem to alleviate the issue? It’s possible that your pet may not be able to overcome their dread of your offspring or apprehension to relieve themselves in a heavily populated urban area. Unfortunately, it’s not an enjoyable topic to mention, but you might ultimately realize that your residence is not the ideal environment for your dog.
