Pit Bulls have a well-deserved reputation as being a potentially dangerous breed of dog as a result of the high number of severe injuries and deaths that they’ve caused when attacking humans. Over the years, Pit Bulls have been bred for one purpose, and that is the breed’s fighting ability. This has increased the likelihood of them attacking other dogs. Some people are even bitten when their dogs are attacked by Pit Bulls and they try to protect their dog.
Attacks on other dogs and their owners are the primary reason why Pit Bulls are perennially at the top of the breed list of dogs that aren’t permitted in numerous California communities. In fact. In its efforts to discourage dog fighting, the American Kennel Club doesn’t even recognize Pit Bulls as a specific breed. With a bite strength of about 235 pounds per square inch, an enraged Pit Bull can easily rip through human skin, flesh and bones, especially if a child the victim.
Why Do Pit Bulls Attack?
The socialization process is a key reason why a Pit Bull might attack. If not sufficiently socialized, a dog can become scared of other dogs or people. That can trigger attacks. Their specific breeding purpose of fighting can also make a Pit Bull overly aggressive toward other dogs. A fairly common scenario is when a pit bull attacks another dog on a leash that is being walked by its owner. When the owner attempts to protect their dog, the owner can be attacked too. Some people will argue that Pit Bulls are inherently dangerous because doing violence is in their DNA. A Pit Bull protecting its pack, territory or food, might trigger violence. Pit Bulls attack when one provokes them.
Recent Fatalities Caused by Pit Bull Attacks
In early 2022, a Florida Everglades “Pit Bull-type dog” attacked a 71-year-old female rescue volunteer at a shelter. The dog had fear issues that were admittedly “out of our hands, a little over our heads,” according to another volunteer at the shelter. In the same year in Mississippi, a 3-year-old girl died after being attacked on the neck and back of the head by her aunt’s male Pit Bull. She died in surgery when doctors were trying to stop her bleeding. In 2021, a 7-year-old girl who was caring for her neighbor’s two Pit Bulls was killed in an attack. Her mother who tried to protect the girl was hospitalized with severe bite injuries.
Legislative and Insurance Issues When Owning a Pit Bull
Although the State of California has no breed specific legislation regarding Pit Bulls, numerous California municipalities have enacted ordinances in connection with Pit Bulls. Given the breed’s history of attacking, more and more homeowners and renters insurance companies are excluding Pit Bulls from coverage too. If you’re a Pit Bull owner who is contemplating a move to another city, you should inquire whether that municipality has breed specific ordinances in place regarding Pit Bulls. If you carry homeowners or renter insurance, you’ll want to inquire with your insurer as to whether your coverage excludes the breed. You might need to purchase special pet coverage from a separate insurer.
California is a Strict Liability Dog Bite State
California isn’t a state where “every dog gets one free bite.” It’s a strict liability state. It doesn’t matter whether an owner knew of a dog’s predisposition to bite people. Under strict liability, if a dog bites somebody, the owner is automatically 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 Pit Bull anywhere in California, get immediate medical attention and call Maison Law for a free consultation and case review. We’re going to listen to you carefully and answer your questions too. After that, we’ll explain all of the legal options that are available to you. When we represent you, our mission is to obtain the highest settlement or award that you deserve. Contact Maison Law as soon as you possibly can after any Pit Bull attack anywhere in California.
