Presa Canario Attacks
Although their owners consider them to be loyal, loving, and docile pets, it is not uncommon to come across an aggressive Presa Canario. Presa Canarios are considered several sources to be as high as the 4th most dangerous breed. Between September 1982 and December 2014 there were 111 documented attacks, resulting in 18 deaths, and 63 maimings–causing permanent damage to the victim. Thus, it is important that people choosing this breed as a pet be aware of the need to be very responsible as a pet owner and take precautions when training, raising, and handling these dogs. If you or a loved one have been injured as the result of a Presa Canario attack, call a Houston dog attack attorney about pursuing legal action. At Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., we understand that dog bites can cause severe injury and will help you fight for the recovery you deserve. Call (713) 932-0777 for a free consultation.
Presa Canarios – Background
Presa Canarios, also known as the Perro de Presa Canario, are large-sized dogs ranging from 28 to 33 inches tall. The bred is distinguishable by their broad, rectangular stature, cropped ears, and cat-shaped paws. Presa Canarios were bred during the 15th century in the Canary Islands, which is where they got the nickname the “Canary Dog.” Presa Canarios were initially bred to herd cattle and sheep, hunt, and guard their owner from wild dogs and other threats. Due to their purpose as a working dog, Presa Canarios tend to be strong-willed, stubborn, and very protective. Additionally, they were often misused to track down runaway slaves for their owners and to participate in dog fights until around the 1940s. As a result of their decades of misuse, Presa Canarios can become disobedient and dangerously aggressive when they do not receive proper training.
Most Presa Canarios are not aggressive by nature. In fact, many people keep them as house pets due to their calm and docile nature with familiar people. When properly trained, Presa Canarios can be very calm, gentle, smart, and loving. Presa Canarios are not typically violent towards their owners or those they are familiar with. However, without proper training, Presa Canarios can become very dangerous dogs to be around. Due to their protective nature, Presa Canarios can become aggressive toward strangers or people they perceive pose a danger to themselves or their family. Additionally, Presa Canarios have a strong alpha nature. The breed’s alpha mentality can lead them to try to assert dominance over small children and other family pets. This can potentially pose a threat to small children and pets, whom the Presa Canario can easily overpower when asserting their dominance.
Report the Incident to Animal Control
If you are bitten by a dog, you need to contact animal control and report the incident so they can determine whether the dog is a risk to others and whether it has rabies. Here are several of the area animal controls’ contact information:
- Houston animal control
- Katy animal control
- Galveston animal control
- Montgomery County animal control
- Austin animal control
- Dallas animal control
- Fort Worth animal control
- San Antonio animal control
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Presa Canario a Bullmastiff?
Although often grouped into the category Bullmastiff, Presa Canarios and Bullmastiffs are two separate breeds belonging to the Mastiff family. There are many characteristics that distinguish a Presa Canario from a Bullmastiff. For instance, Bullmastiffs tend to be more affectionate and friendly than Presa Canarios. Additionally, Presa Canarios tend to require more consistent training and exercise than Bullmastiffs.
Are Presa Canarios Excluded from Homeowner Insurance Policies?
It depends on the wording of your specific policy. Absent an exclusion in your homeowner’s insurance policy, your liability for a dog bite if your dog bites somebody is covered up to your policy limits. However, many homeowners’ policies contain an exclusion for dog bite liability. Some exclude specific breeds, while others exclude any type of injury related to a dog. It is important to check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if it includes or excludes dog bite liability. Don’t wait until an incident occurs to check your policy. If your policy excludes dog bite liability or excludes your dog’s breed from their policy, you may need to buy canine liability insurance in addition to homeowner’s insurance.
Are Presa Canarios Dangerous Dogs?
Although most Presa Canarios are not aggressive by nature, they can become very dangerous when untrained. In fact, some countries and even small parts of the United States have banned Presa Canarios. Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Romania, Singapore, and Ukraine have all banned Presa Canarios by breed-specific legislation, which is a law that prohibits and restricts particular breeds of dogs. Additionally, the breed is banned in Lone Tree, Colorado, and Wheeling, West Virginia. These bans on Presa Canarios are a testament to how dangerous these dogs can be when improperly trained or not properly socialized with people.
Let us Represent You After a Presa Canario Bite
At Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., our lawyers are here to fight for those who have been seriously injured as a result of a dog attack. Our Texas dog bite attorneys will do everything we can to fight for the compensation you deserve from the negligent dog owner. Our firm has been representing dog bite victims since 1979. Call us for a free consultation to discuss how to move forward with your Presa Canario case. Call us at (713) 932-0777 today.