Animal Attacks on Children

The Southern California accident lawyers offer advice and information on animal attacks happening to children. Call 1-888-400-9721 for a consultation. Millions of people are bitten or attacked by dogs every year. In fact, the Humane Society estimates about 4.7 million people are bitten in the United States.

In the past ten years there have been 26 fatalities attributed to dog attacks. As child abuse lawyers told you before, most bites involve a dog the victim knows; often it is the owner of the dog or a neighbor who is bitten. The majority of bite incidents happen in or near the home of the victim, with about half occurring on the owner’s property.

As parents, caregivers, guardians, grandparents, or foster parents, we need to know that dog bites and attacks to children are triple of those to adults. Because children are closer to the dog’s head, the majority of their injuries are to the face and upper body. Also, most child victims are under the age of 13 and they can easily suffer a childhood wrongful death. This is probably due to the curious nature of children that young or the feeling most young children have that dogs are all “cute.” Unfortunately there are deaths attributed to dog attacks. In over two-thirds of dog attack deaths, the victims have been under 10 years-old. The other third is made up of children under one-year of age and sleeping babies.

While it is easy to point to the “dangerous” breeds such as pit bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, and akitas, you should remember that there have been deaths attributed to small breeds like Pomeranians as well. California cities cannot ban specific breeds of dogs, but a bill in the state Legislature would permit them to require certain breeds be spayed and neutered, making them less aggressive. No matter the law or precautions, dog bites occur with the same frequency. Remember, there usually are no bad dogs or bad breeds, just bad or irresponsible owners. Any dog can bite or attack under the right circumstances.

The Southern California accident attorneys want you to know the following factors to help keep your child safe from being bitten or attacked by a dog and make your home accident free.

• Dogs will act aggressive when they are in a “pack.” This means owners should avoid having several dogs (as little as two or more) together around a child or group of children.


• Dogs that are poorly socialized are more likely to attack. Normally, males are the ones most likely to bite as a show of dominance, but a female who has not been properly socialized or is fearful will attack.


• Dogs that have not been spayed or neutered are more likely to attack.


• In warmer months, the likelihood of being bitten goes up with the number of dogs outside and out on walks. This means more opportunities for children to approach an unfamiliar dog. The owner should always keep the dog on a leash and adequately supervise and warn any children who approach.


• Dogs should never be kept on a chain in a yard or left unsupervised with children in the yard.

These tips should be a good start to making your children safer around dogs. Remember, nothing can protect you from an irresponsible owner such as abusive foster care parents. You need to do what you can to keep your children safe. If an attack occurs, you need the experienced Orange County dog bite lawyers and Child Safety Attorneys at The Southern California Accident Attorneys. We can and will help. Call 1-888-400-9721 today.