Dog Parks and the Potential for Dog Bites

In California, off-leash dogs parks are a dime a dozen. There are dog parks in every major community, and some California cities-like Murrieta-have even introduced dog water parks. If you take your little Schnauzer to the dog park, though, be warned. You can't always predict what other dogs will do, and there are cases in which negligent dog owners will let their aggressive pets run free. As you can imagine, this can create a hazardous outcome for unsuspecting park visitors. California bite lawyers see it every day.

Case in point, a CBS story out of North Carolina. Apparently, a dog at one of the local dog parks bit a two-year-old child. Thankfully, the kid only suffered minor bite wounds, but the dog owners are being interviewed and investigated by Animal Control. If you have kids, you should be especially careful at these parks. Children are at the greatest risk of being bitten by dogs, and statistics show that kids between the ages of 5 and 9 are bitten most often.

The Hidden Dangers of Dog Parks - Bite Lawyer Weighs In

Dog parks serve an excellent purpose. They allow dogs to run free and explore while getting much-needed exercise, but dogs owners have a responsibility to keep a close eye on their pets. The North Carolina story should serve as a wake-up call to this reality. We don't have all of the facts in this particular case, and we don't know if the dogs owner bears legal responsibility for any sort of malfeasance, but these stories do remind us about how important it is for all of us to be diligent when it comes to our pets.

Watch Your Pets - It's the Law

When it comes to bites, there's a legal term known as 'strict liability.' Most states, and in fact many countries in the developed world, have some form of strict liability on the books. It basically asserts that if a dog commits harm against a human being or another animal, the owner is responsible. This doesn't only refer to bites, but also to general acts of destruction, which may include damage to property.

If you have been bitten by someone's else's dog, you may be entitled to compensation, and the dog owner may be responsible. But you need to act quickly. Contact a qualified bite attorney to discuss your legal rights in the matter. Don't hesitate another moment.

As you can imagine, this can create a hazardous outcome for unsuspecting park visitors. California dog bite lawyers see it every day. Contact a qualified dog bite attorney to discuss your legal rights in the matter.