BREEDS THAT BITE

While dogs of all breeds can be loving and well-behaved family pets, the statistics do not lie: certain breeds are more dangerous than others and more liable to attack.

The risk of dog bite attacks and even human fatalities as a result of dogs bites have become so associated with these known dangerous breeds, such as pit bulls and Rottweilers, that certain municipalities have prohibited people from owning them altogether. This breed-specific legislation is in response to dog bite statistics and intends to rid communities of pit bulls, Rottweilers and other breeds that have been proven to bite.

In other communities, certain breeds are required to be spayed and neutered to reduce their chances of acting aggressively and, of course, to prevent them from reproducing. Breed-specific legislation generates its own types of problems, however. Enforcement of breed-specific legislation is expensive. It can also create black markets for certain breeds and breeding practices that increase the number of stray or homeless pets as a result of overpopulation. In addition, any breed of dog can bite.

But, no matter the debate on the effectiveness of breed-specific legislation, it’s a known fact that certain breeds are more likely to be aggressive, and this aggressive tendency can be multiplied by factors such as owner negligence, failure to restrain pets or failure to train pets.

In all communities, including in Pennsylvania, a pet owner is responsible for properly supervising their pet and for protecting other people from harm as a result of an aggressive pet by warning them or putting the proper restraints on the dog. A Pennsylvania dog bite attorney can help you with your claim for compensation whether you were bitten by a dog in Philadelphia, Lancaster, Reading or Norristown.

Pit bulls

This breed is most often targeted by breed-specific legislation because of their increased likelihood to bite, maim or kill humans. According to statistics, pit bulls bite more people than any other type of breed. Many pit bull owners or fans of the breed say pit bulls get a bad reputation and that training is more important in determining whether or not a dog will bite than breed is. Whatever your opinion about pit bulls, it is undeniable that they have historically and tragically been bred for dog-fighting. They have an unparalleled jaw strength that, if they do bite, can cause more damage than a bite from another breed. In the United, more than 100 people have been killed by pit bulls in the past 10 years.

Rottweilers

Rottweilers have been often bred for protection. Many Rottweilers serve an important function as guard dogs and police dogs. Like pit bulls, they are powerful and strong dogs that, if they bite, can cause more serious injuries or even death than other breeds. Statistics show that Rottweilers are the second most likely dog to attack humans. Some municipalities have outlawed the ownership of Rottweilers as a result of these statistics.

Wolf hybrid dog 

A cross between a wolf and a dog, a wolf hybrid dog is regarded as an exotic pet, which an increasing number of people in the United States desire to own. A wolf-dog exhibits wilder characteristics than a purebred dog because wolves, unlike dogs, have not been domesticated. Wolf-dogs are also often larger in size. Because of their parentage, they can be unpredictable, a behavior that makes them more likely to attack.

Other breeds 

While some breeds have been deemed more dangerous in the eyes of the law, it is important to remember than any breed, large or small, can bite. Some breeds may be likely to bite, but a dog that has been the victim of human aggression, has been trained to attack or has been abandoned could be just as dangerous as known dangerous breeds such as pit bulls or Rottweilers.

Nature, nurture or a combination can make a dog more likely to attack. Even small dogs such as Pomeranians have caused injuries to children and even at least one known infant death. Dog breeds that are considered to be family-friendly, loyal and well-behaved can still be responsible for serious injuries to humans.

If you or your child has been bitten by any breed of dog in Pennsylvania, whether it was a known dangerous breed or not, you need to call a dog bite lawyer to find out about your options for the compensation needed for your recovery.

A dog bite can cause serious injuries, and you have the right to compensation for medical costs, lost wages, emotional distress and future expenses if you suffered an unprovoked dog bite attack. A dog bite attorney can help you learn your rights under Pennsylvania law and help you get your life back on track.