According to the Center for Disease Control, more than 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year.  The majority of those bit are children with the elderly ranking second as most common dog bite victims.  Most dog bites affecting young children occur during everyday activities and while interacting with familiar dogs.  One victim in five requires medical attention, with 31,000 people requiring  reconstructive surgery. 

There are a number of steps to take to avoid being bitten by a dog.  These range from properly training and socializing your pet to educating your children on how, or if, they should approach a dog.  Knowledge is one of the best cures for this public health problem.

What Should a Dog Owner Do?

Carefully select your pet.  Socialize your young pet so it feels comfortable around people.  Do not place your pet in a situation where it feels threatened or teased.  Train your dog.  Even the basic commands of “sit”, “stay”, “no” and “come” can help a dog understand what is expected of it.  Exercise your dog regularly to keep it healthy and provide mental stimulation.  Use a leash in public to ensure control over your dog.  Have your dog vaccinated against rabies and other preventable infectious diseases.  Neuter your pet.  If you have a fenced yard, make sure the gates and fencing are secure.  Know your dog well.  Know your pet’s signs of anxiety and aggression in order that you not only protect yourself, but others as well.

 How Can you Protect your Family?

Always be cautious around strange dogs.  Never leave a small child or baby alone with any dog, even if it is the trusted family pet.  Always be alert for potentially dangerous situations.  Teach children to be careful around pets.  Children need to learn not to approach or pet strange dogs without permission from the dog’s owner.

There are times when we follow all of the safety steps listed above and still are the victim of a dog bite.  If this occurs, it is wise to seek counsel from a competent dog bite attorney.

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On the evening of February 27th, Surprise police received calls of two vicious pit bulls loose near Reems and Cactus Roads.  According to police spokesman, Bert Anzini, a couple was leaving their home to take their dogs for a walk, when the pit bulls began attacking and eventually killing one of their dogs.  While trying to free their dog, the couple was bitten as well.

“It’s just kinda crazy that you have to worry about this stuff,” Craig Mandel, a resident in the neighborhood said. “I don’t care if people have pit bulls; I just wish they would control them.”

Mandel was outside in his driveway, when both pit bulls came to him and attempted to enter his home after the attack. After calling and finding out that Animal Control was unavailable, Mr. Mandel called the Surprise Police Department. When police arrived, they quickly contained the dogs.

According to their owner, the pit bulls had escaped through a broken fence.  Police cited the owner under the dog-at-large municipal code.

Dog attacks can be very traumatic experiences for all involved. Knowing what to do in the event that a dog attacks you can help you protect your health and your rights. Time is of the essence when you are filing a claim for a dog attack. If you are seeking treatment for dog attack injuries, state law dictates you must file a claim within two years of the attack. This is the statute of limitations, meaning that if you do not file a lawsuit within that time, you forever lose your right to do so. Your chances of a successful claim will increase dramatically when experienced and reputable dog bite attorneys represent you.

Read the original article here.