You want to ensure that all your loved ones are safe as you can make them – including your pets. Most people who have dogs think of their dog not as property but as a memory of their family. As a result, if your dog is bitten by another dog it can be devastating. At Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas, we’ve helped numerous clients with dog bite liability cases and today we want to share some tips on how to keep your pets safe from aggressive dogs.
Always keep your dog on a leash
The most important thing you can do is to ensure that your dog is always on a leash when you leave the house together. This is the only way that you can be sure to maintain control over your pet. Even if your dog is well trained, if a strange dog comes after him – or runs nearby – your dog’s instincts may take over. Always keep your dog on a leash.
Don’t assume a dog is safe
If you approach another dog, don’t assume that the dog is safe. Always proceed with caution until you have a reason to believe the dog is safe. Even if you’re in a dog park or another place with supposedly friendly dogs, you never know if a dog is distressed or otherwise agitated. Always be prepared to remove your dog as soon as you can. If your dog is playing with other dogs, keep your eyes on them.
Make room for other dogs
If you and your dog are walking down the street and you see a dog that you believe is timid, aggressive, or suspicious, don’t be afraid to cross the street. Even if your dog is friendly or neutral toward other dogs, you don’t know how the other dog is going to react. If your dog bites someone, you could be held liable.
Remember that your dog can pick up on nonverbal signals
If something does happen and you’re afraid that you and / or your dog is danger, try to stay calm. Your dog can pick up on nonverbal signals and may become nervous, panicky, or agitated if you become any of those. If you are nervous and your dog strikes out, or a dog strikes at you, consider talking to a personal injury attorney who can help make sense of the situation.
You may be eligible for compensation if you or your pet is injured
California law makes it clear that if a dog attacks a person and that person is injured, the injured party has a right to sue the owner of the dog – even if the dog has never bitten anyone before and the owner had no reason to believe that the dog was aggressive. If your dog is bitten and injured, then you may also be eligible for compensation for the resulting monetary damages. To learn more about your options, reach out to Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
