German Shepherd Dog Bites three-year-old boy in the face

APOPKA -- A 3-year-old boy is recovering from surgery after he was bitten by a dog belonging to his uncle Thursday night. Investigators said the dog, a German Shepherd, was chained to the front of a home, but for some reason went after the boy.

The boy was taken to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, where he underwent surgery for severe dog bites. The dog was taken to Orange County Animal Services. According to Animal Services, a dog is three times as likely to bite while it is confined on a chain.

Experts said dogs on a chain tend to act more territorial and aggressive.

Source – Central Florida 13

Police: Woman hurt, dog killed in pit-bull attack - Tampa Bay Area - St. Petersburg - Pinellas County

PINELLAS COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- A Bay area woman is recovering after police said she and her dog were attacked by pit bulls Saturday morning.According to Bay News 9's partner paper, the St. Petersburg Times, 79-year-old Betty Nebbia was walking her seven-pound Yorkshire terrier Ditto along Bahama Shores Drive SE in St. Petersburg when police said she and her dog were attacked by a pit bull and its puppy who were wandering in the same area.

Nebbia said that, when she tried to pull Ditto from the pit bull's mouth, the larger dog bit her on her arms and hands. Ditto later died from his injuries. Nebbia said she is having a hard time dealing with the loss of her dog. The two pit bulls have been placed with Pinellas Animal Control. Their owners have not come forward to claim them.

www.trippfirm.com

DOG BITES

Even the cuddliest, fuzziest, sweetest pup can bite. Most people are bitten by their own dog or one they know. Unwisely, some owners actually promote aggression in their dogs or allow aggression to go unchecked.

From nips to bites to actual attacks, dog bites are a serious problem. Dog bite victims requiring medical attention in the United States number approximately 800,000 annually. Countless more bites go untreated. On average, about a dozen people die each year from dog bites.

Who's being bitten?

Statistically, the numbers of recorded dog bites are significantly higher in children than adults. The elderly and home service providers such as mail carriers and meter readers are also high on the list of frequent dog bite victims. CAUTION: Never leave a baby or child alone with a dog.

IF YOU are bitten

If your own dog bit you, confine it immediately and call your veterinarian to check your dog's vaccination records.

If someone else's dog bit you, first seek medical treatment for the wound. Next, contact authorities and tell them everything you can about the dog: the owner's name, if you know it; the color and size of the dog; where you encountered the dog; and, if and where you've seen it before. These details may help animal-control officers locate the dog. In addition, consider asking your physician if post-exposure rabies treatment may be necessary.

Dogs are wonderful companions. By acting responsibly, owners not only reduce the number of dog bites, but also enhance the relationship they have with their dog.

Accordingly, if you have been bitten by a dog, you may be able to file a premises liability claim against the responsible owner of the dog. Recoverable damages could include past and future medical expenses, loss of wages, and other foreseeable damages resulting from the injury. You can also file a personal injury action against the owner of the dog that caused your injury.

CALL THE TRIPP LAW FIRM FOR A FREE CONSULTATION TO DISCUSS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS 1 (888) 392-LAWS (5297).