Dangerous Dogs -- Rules, Restrictions and Best Practice

October 23, 2009

Laws regarding dangerous dogs can vary by state, county and city. Some requirements are more strict than others, therefore, it is important to know the laws in your area.

October 23, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dangerous Dogs -- Rules, Restrictions and Best Practice

Article provided by Albert L. Buzzetti & Associates, L.L.C.
Visit us at http://www.tristatelaw.com

Around 4.5 million people suffer dog bites each year -- about one in five of these bites require medical attention.

When it comes to dogs and the designation of dangerous breeds, everyone has an opinion. Some people remain die-hard fans of certain, controversial breeds and oppose any regulations restricting their ability to own and/or raise the animal.

However, it's one thing to defend a dog that is simply suspected of being dangerous. It's another thing completely when the dog has already attacked someone.

That was the case for a Texas couple whose Weimaraner-Staffordshire Terrier mix was scheduled to be put down after biting the woman's mother. Following a long fight with officials, the pair picked up and moved to another city -- one with looser restrictions on offending dogs.

Dog laws can vary by state, county and city. Most city Web pages will have a section dedicated to local laws and ordinances -- including registration information regarding dangerous or exotic pets.

Many cities, such as Freehold, New Jersey, require a permit for such animals. In order to receive this permit, you must fulfill certain requirements, such as proving a working knowledge of how to handle the pet.

Some cities are rather lax with dangerous animal laws, while others are very strict -- opting for a "one strike and you're out" policy. There are really no hard and fast rules when it comes to designating a dangerous dog.

State laws, on the other hand, are usually broader and deal with questions such as owner liability. In New Jersey, if a dog bites a person who is in a public place or legally on private property, then the owner is responsible for damages. The dog's owner is held responsible even if the dog has never been vicious before and the owner had no reason to believe it would be.

In New York, there is a gradient scale of liability. For a dog without a prior instance of violence, the owner may only suffer a civil penalty. However, if a dog was previously declared to be dangerous, the owner can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor.

While it may be useful to know the dangerous dog laws in your state -- dog attacks usually happen without warning. There are, however, tips you can follow if you are confronted by an aggressive dog.
-Avoid making any loud noises or sudden movements when confronted.
-Do not run away, unless it is a last resort, as this may incite the dog into action.
-Avoid looking the dog in the eyes, since this may be interpreted as a challenge.
-If you are attacked, curl up into the fetal position. Movement and/or resistance can incite the attacking dog further.

The best way to avoid dog attacks is simply to be alert. Know your surroundings and, if you have children -- make sure you know where they are.

Article provided by Albert L. Buzzetti & Associates, L.L.C.
Visit us at http://www.tristatelaw.com

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