Keep Your Children Safe from Dog Bites

According to the CDC (Centers for disease control), an estimated 368,245 people have treated for dog bite-related injuries each year, with the injury rate being highest for children aged 5-9 years. Male children under 14 years of age are the most likely to suffer dog bites. Many times these injuries require medical attention and sometimes they can result in death.

This was the case last year in Fulton County when a 5-year-old girl and a 6-year-old boy were attacked by a dog as they were walking to their school bus stop. The young girl was injured and the boy was killed. Their story was recently featured in a news article published by the AJC (Atlanta Journal Constitution). Our law firm is currently representing one of the families in a suit against the animal control provider in the area, LifeLine Animal Project. Click here to read the full story. This case has been a sobering reminder that there are steps your community can take to help keep children safe.

The following are some of the responsibilities of the different people in the community:

• Animal Owners: Should take measures to keep aggressive and potentially dangerous animals away from people. Warn others that your animal may be dangerous.
• Animal Keepers: Kennels, pounds and animal sitters should take the same precautionary measures as animal owners.
• Parents of Minors: If a child is under 18 years of age and owns a dog, parents are responsible for making sure the animal owner responsibilities are carried out.
• Property Owners: A property owner can be liable for injuries caused by an animal that the property owner allowed onto their property. Making sure that your property is secure from outside animals is recommended.
• Landlords: Should make note of any animals that live in the building. If there is a dangerous animal, the landlord should take steps to protect others from the animal.
• Animal Control: Should respond to all reports and calls in a timely manner.

If these steps are not taken and something unfortunate happens, please get help right away. Seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent infection or other serious complications. Gather as much information as you can about the animal, its owners, or any other potentially responsible party and contact an attorney right away. You can call us at 404-963-8640 or email us at admin@lawzagoria.com.