Utah Dog Bite Information Everyone Should Know

Salt Lake City is a dog-friendly town. Man’s best friend seems to be everywhere you go, from local parks to public areas and along mountainside trails. More often than not, when we see a dog, it is on a leash, behaved, and doesn’t show signs of unnecessary aggression. Despite what would seem our best efforts, between 4.5 to 5 million dog bite cases are reported every year in the United States. Perhaps you remember hearing horrible news stories that involve a pack of wild dogs attacking and killing people and their animals. Fortunately, most dog attacks do not result in death, but they can result in serious injury. So what can be done to keep everyone safe?
A brief look at Utah Dog Laws
Without getting into deep legal rhetoric, everyone must understand one thing. In Utah, the dog owner is going to be responsible for almost every situation in which their dog bites someone. The victims of these attacks do not need to prove the dog had a history of violent tendencies. Or even that the owner had any knowledge that their animal was capable of biting someone.
Why Dogs Attack Strangers
Most of us are aware that certain breeds are more “aggressive and dangerous than others.” However, any breed can bite without warning; the canine’s size and power will affect the amount of damage they can inflict. Experts in dog behavior state that dogs will attack in various situations; even if we will, we are posing no real threat to the animal. Typically dogs will growl or bark as a warning sign. They do this because they feel the need to protect themselves, their owners, or their property. Animals deal with stress and change differently than we do. It is a good idea to keep an eye on a new dog to see how they handle meeting you, especially if you have the scent of other dogs on your hands or clothing.
What can you do about an aggressive dog?
It is always a good idea to bring a dog into your family that you research what breed fits your lifestyle. If you have small children, it is perhaps best to have a mild-mannered dog and good with children. If you live alone, maybe you want a protective dog that will intimidate bark to scare away intruders. Suppose you have a dog that is a loved member of your family with slight to extreme temperamental problems. We highly recommend speaking with a professional dog trainer in your area. Not only will it help you with your daily life, but it can also save you from a legal suit should the worst happen, and your dog bites someone.
Incidents of dog bites are not a fun issue to address. Whenever we see a dog bite case in Salt Lake emotions, usually run high. In our eyes, the most important thing is to help ensure that innocent victims of attacks can get the help they need. If you or a loved one has been bitten, we suggest speaking with a local dog bite attorney after your injuries have been treated and properly documented. It is not about seeking revenge; it is about helping receive compensation for medical bills, loss of wages, and future challenges that can arise from the injury. If you call Salt Lake City home, our attorneys are happy to meet with you to discuss your case. Contact our office at (801) 839-4411 to schedule a case review.</font color>