Dog attacks can present the risk of serious injuries and disfigurement. After a dog attack happens, it is vital for the victim to report the accident to the authorities and seek medical attention. If the animal is dangerous, the animal control officer will take fast action to protect the public.
Evidence of the Dog Attack
The victim needs evidence of the dog attack. Medical records are the most viable option for supporting their claim against the pet owners. The records detail all the injuries related to the dog attack, and the victim gets clear evidence to show that the dog attacked them. When they get medical attention, they must tell their doctor that they were attacked, where, and what the dog looked like. These details are necessary for the attack report, and the doctor must report the animal attack to the animal control officer.
Witnesses That Saw the Attack
All witnesses that saw the attack are deposed to determine if their testimony will support the victim’s allegations. However, if a witness has a different view of what happened, the defence could use their testimony to dismiss the claim. The purpose of the witness testimony is to prove that the victim was not on the property illegally and that they didn’t commit animal abuse or provoke the animal. If the victim didn’t have permission to be on the property or harmed the animal, the case could be dismissed completely.
The Animal Control Officer’s Role
The role of the animal control officer is to get information about the attack, the pet owner, and get access to the dog. A dog that has rabies that is roaming the neighbourhood poses a risk to the public. If the dog is infected with the rabies virus, the animal control officer must take immediate action to protect the public.
If the dog doesn’t have obvious signs of rabies, the animal control officer will ask the pet owner questions about the pet. The pet must have vaccination records that are current, and the pet owner can show these records to the animal control officer. If the dog wasn’t vaccinated, the dog must undergo a 12-day quarantine. Victims of a dog attack can learn more about these requirements by contacting dog bite attorneys now.
Did Strict Liabilities Apply?
Strict liabilities come into play when the dog has a previous history of attacks. The pet owner is aware of this history, and they must follow precautions to protect others around their home. If they fail to maintain control over their animal, the pet owners must pay all medical costs for the victim and provide them with compensation based on tort-related awards. The state will make a decision about what happens to the animal.
Victims of dog attacks must follow careful steps to start a claim against the pet owner. They will need credible evidence to support their claim and show that their injuries are consistent with a dog attack. They must also get witnesses to support their account of what happened. Victims of a dog attack can learn more about the cases by contacting an attorney right now.
