David Armillie, a San Diego man, has reported that he and his dog were attacked by a loose pit bull as they walked home from a grocery store in the Grant Hill area. Armillie told Channel 10 that he was walking with his dog, Scutter, in the 200 block of 33rd Street on November 25, 2014, when a pit bull jumped over a fence and attacked them. The pit bull got Scutter in his jaw and Armillie had to free his dog from the pit bull’s strong hold.
Armillie called Animal Control after the incident, but says this is not the first time. He says other dog attacks have occurred on 33rd Street. Channel 10 reports that the zip code where Armillie lives, 92102, is one of the top three zip codes with the most dog bites in the county. And yet, residents say animal control officials have not increased patrols, enforcement or education in the area to protect members of the community.
The Problem With Loose Dogs
Almost all cities in Southern California have leash laws, which means dogs must be held on a leash at all times. This is not only for the protection of the animal, but also others on the roadway or in public places. Many cities have also recently passed dangerous dog ordinances, which require owners of dogs that have attacked before to keep them restrained and/or muzzled in public places.
These laws and ordinances are in place to protect the community. However, in many cities these laws are not properly enforced. In most cities, loose dogs are not a “priority situation” for animal control officials. But they do cause significant harm to members of the community. In this case, the man’s dog was also harmed.
Protecting Your Rights
There are several steps you can take in order to protect your legal rights after dog attack. Under California law, dog owners can be held financially responsible for injuries, damages and losses caused by their pets. Injured dog bite victims can seek compensation for their own medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. In addition, they can seek compensation for veterinary bills if their pet was also attacked and injured.
If you have been injured in a dog attack, determine to whom the animal belongs. File a complaint with the animal control department, which is usually a part of the county or the local law enforcement agency. Preserve physical evidence such as torn or bloody clothing. Take photographs of the injuries. Get prompt medical attention. Keep a record of all expenses related to the dog attack. Contact an experienced San Diego personal injury attorney who will fight for your rights and ensure that the negligent dog owner is held accountable.