According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), pit bulls have killed approximately 32% of human beings involved in a dog-related attacks in the United States, yet only 2% of all dogs are pit bulls.  Of those mauling deaths, seven out of 10 of them were children.  More awareness needs to be raised about the danger of pit bulls.

Pit Bulls in the United States

The CDC states three categories of strategies that should be used for preventing dog bites, including those of pit bulls:

• Public and Owner Education.  Through proper selection, socialization, training, and treatment of dogs, owners can reduce the chance that their dog will bite.  Both parents and children need to be educated and veterinarians and pediatricians need to address strategies to prevent dog bites, including supervising children appropriately.  Other strategies like publicizing information through schools and dog training classes can decrease the number of dog bite occurrences.

• Community Level Animal Control.  Animal control programs need to be implemented, supported and enforced and dog owners need to be held accountable of their dog’s actions.

• Reporting Dog Bites.  Dog bites need to be reported to local or state ordinances, including the full details of the bite, details of the dog (age, sex, spay/neuter) and whether the dog was restrained before the accident occured.

Preventing Pit Bull Bites

You can take the following measures to prevent pit bull bites:

• Determine a suitable breed for your family based on your environment and lifestyle.
• Aggressive dogs are not a good household match for children
• Do not get a dog if a child is apprehensive about dogs.
• Before adopting a dog, spend some time with it and use caution when introducing the dog to your home or child.
• To reduce aggressive tendencies, spay or neuter your dog.
• Never leave a dog alone with an infant or young child.
• When adopting a dog, make sure to train the dog and teach it submissive behaviors.
• If the dog develops aggressive behaviors, immediately seek professional advice from a veterinarian or breeder.
• Avoid aggressive games, like wrestling, with your dog.
• Teach children basic safety around dogs:
  • Do not approach an unfamiliar dog
  • Do not run and scream from a dog
  • When approached by an unfamiliar dog, stand still (like a tree)
  • Roll into a ball and lie still (like a log) if you are knocked over by a dog
  • Do not play with a dog without adult supervision
  • Report stray dogs or unusual behavior of a dog to an adult
  • Do not make direct eye contact with a dog
  • Do not disturb a dog that is eating, sleeping or caring for puppies
  • Allow a dog to see and sniff you first before petting it.
  • Report a dog bite to an adult immediately.

If you or someone you love has been a victim of a pit bull bite or attack, we urge you to contact us immediately so we can help you receive the compensation you deserve from the dog’s owner.  Our personal injury attorneys at Tarshish Cody are qualified to handle complex dog bite cases and we can help you claim that compensation to pay for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.  Contact us today on 612-808-8999 (or fill out the free Case Evaluation Form) to learn more.

Attorneys Practicing In This Area

Benjamin Tarshish

Kyle Kosieracki

Traci Vercande

Staff Supporting This Area

Julie Rosales