The Growing Problem Caused by Stray Dogs in the US

 

Image Source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIdM-49wgBzgfPkxg1XPqkJCAuCn7mnfhse3eL7tTl1v_fyMWbgmyCPW8iNIlLbJKOttwQYGONm0EnSbPmv9GFOzhPr1FW_uMmtSwUfCEUeWM7afHDjcvOcdY_wo6T4i1WN6AJjAboTbs/s400/stray-dogs-+%285%29.jpg

Dog bite accidents are among the staple forms of personal injury in the United States. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that dog bites accounted for approximately 885,000 hospital visits each year.

There are many factors to consider when it comes to the topic of dog bite accidents. One of the leading factors to the rise of dog bite cases in the country are stray dogs. It is estimated that about $300 million are spent annually to impound and euthanize stray dogs. The growing number of stray dogs in the country should alarm the general public, and not only those with dogs as pets. This is because if this issue is not addressed properly and promptly, chances are, the incidences of dog bite accidents would soar.

Under the tort law, people who got bitten by a dog may claim for injury payments provided that they can determine the owner of the dog. In case that the victim is bitten by a stray or abandoned dog, he or she would have a hard time claiming for payments because there is no one to pay for the damages. This is the main reason why the public should be extra wary about stray dogs because they cannot get financial aid once they got bitten by one.

Accordingly, Los Angeles citizens are advised to do the following to avoid getting bitten or attacked by stray dogs:

•    Do not get near a stray or unfamiliar dog

•    Avoid running from a dog

•    Keep still when a stray dog approaches you

•    Do not play with an unfamiliar dog

•    Avoid direct contact with a dog

•    Never disturb a dog that is eating, sleeping, or caring for its puppies

•    If bitten, immediately visit the emergency department for treatment

Los Angeles injury lawyers always remind adults to keep an eye on their children, especially when they are playing or wanting to play with any animal to keep them from getting bitten or attacked.