The Jack Russell Terrier is a smaller breed of dog, but that doesn’t mean that owners won’t have their hands full. They’re strong and tough working dogs with seemingly endless energy. That’s why this breed of dog requires plenty of stimulation, exercise and people time. Their favorite prey are foxes and badgers. The breed’s energetic disposition coupled with its instinctive desire to hunt make intensive training of the Jack Russell Terrier a must. As the breed can be aggressive, you don’t want them around children, other dogs or cats. Although these dogs are small, they’re not apartment dogs. They need a fenced area where they can run and chase a tennis ball. Without sufficient attention and exercise, they’re likely to engage in destructive behavior out of boredom. The breed is going to bark, but that’s what makes them terrific watchdogs at home.
Why Do Jack Russell Terriers Attack?
Like any other dog, a Jack Russell Terrier is likely to retaliate if it feels threatened or is provoked. They might also attack out of territoriality or if it fears that its feed might be stolen. The dog’s bite is equal to or greater than that of a human at 160-200 pounds per square inch. The bites can cause serious and permanent damages, especially to children who might be bitten around the face, neck or hands.
Jack Russell Terrier Attacks on Humans
In Virginia, a Jack Russell Terrier attacked a baby in a bassinette who was less than a month old. The baby suffered more than 30 bites, but he survived the attack. The dog didn’t survive it. Its owner shot it. In Great Britain, a five-day-old baby died of head wounds when it was attacked by a Jack Russell Terrier. One Jack Russell Terrier breeder even refuses to sell the dogs to people with small children. The evidence of the predatory instinct of the breed and the damage that can be done to infants or children is just too compelling.
Breed Specific Laws Against Owning Jack Russell Terriers in California
There are no known breed specific laws in California that we can point to in connection with Jack Russell Terriers, but that doesn’t mean that such laws don’t exist. For purposes of ensuring that you have fully updated information on any county or municipality that you might be moving to, you can search their ordinances or call the appropriate office. As with any dog with a breed history of attacking humans, you might want to look into purchasing private pet insurance too.
California Doesn’t Have a One Free Bite Rule
In some states, a dog gets one free bite before its owner is put on notice that it might bite a person again. California is a strict liability dog bite state. It doesn’t’ matter whether an owner isn’t aware that his or her dog might bite somebody. If it bites somebody and it causes injuries, the dog’s owner is strictly liable. There are very few exceptions to this rule.
Contact a California Dog Bite Lawyer
If you or a family member were attacked and bitten by a Jack Russell Terrier anywhere in California, get to an urgent care clinic or emergency room right away for treatment. Then, contact the California dog bite lawyer at Maison Law, and we’ll arrange for a free consultation and case review. You can tell us what happened and how it has affected you or your family member. We can answer your questions too. Then, we can advise you on all of your legal options. Remember, California is a strict liability dog bite state.
