You hear it in the news a lot – victims of dog bite injuries and their communities calling out for breed restrictions and regulations for dangerous dog breeds. It is easy to categorize an entire breed as dangerous, but it isn’t always that simple. You may be surprised to learn that many dog bites occur from common household breeds that many consider to be kid-friendly.
Which Dog Breeds are More Aggressive?
Studies show that breeds that are more aggressive toward people include small and medium-sized breeds, such as collies, spaniels, and toy breeds according to studies collected by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Pit bulls, often identified by the public as one of the most dangerous dog breeds, are not disproportionally dangerous compared with other dog breeds.
Dog Breed and Dog Attacks
The bottom line is that a variety of factors lead to dog bite attacks, including individual dog temperament and the context of the incident. Breed is a poor predictor of dog bite injuries. Active enforcement of dog control ordinances is more effective at preventing dog-bite injuries than banning or limiting ownership of particular breeds.
Staying Safe Around Dogs
Any dog can bite or attack. In most cases, the dog is familiar to the person. Either the family pet, or a neighbor’s or friend’s dog. Educate yourself and your children on what to do and not to do when around dogs. It is important that a child is never left alone with a dog, even if it is a dog that has been with the family for years.
What To Do If You’ve Been Injured By a Dog
Seek medical attention, if you’ve been attacked by a dog. Keep track of medical bills and receipts. Depending on your injuries and the situation, you may want to pursue litigation to recover compensation for your injuries. New Jersey law holds dog owners accountable when their dog injures a person. An experienced dog bite attorney can help you decide on what next steps to take.
Contact a New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer
If you or your loved one has been injured by a dog attack, please call David Cowhey at (866) 259-4377 or contact us online for a free consultation. Mr. Cowhey welcomes clients throughout New Jersey. He will assess your case and make recommendations for your next steps.
Originally posted October 28, 2015
