Akita Bites

Akita Attacks

Akitas are often loving and playful pets with their owners. However, Akitas have gotten a bad reputation because of their ability to cause harm. One source reports that Akitas have a bite force of 300 to 400 PSI, which can cause significant damage to humans or other animals. Despite having a strong bite, Akita attacks on humans are very infrequent. In fact, studies by Express Legal Funding have found that between September 1982 and December 31, 2021, Akitas accounted for 89 attacks, 9 of which resulted in death. Of the 89 victims, 54 of them were children. Many attacks involving children result from a lack of supervision by the dog owner, which can lead to children behaving improperly toward the dog and being snapped at or bitten.

When an owner fails to train and socialize the dog with people and other dogs, it can become aggressive, particularly toward strangers. If you or a loved one has been injured in an Akita attack, you must contact a dog bite lawyer in Houston, Texas, to learn about your rights as a victim. At Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., our attorneys are knowledgeable in dog bite law and can talk to you about your options under the law. For a free consultation, call us at (713) 932 -0777.

Akita Background

Akitas are large dogs that range from 24 to 28 inches tall. They are recognizable by their thick white or brown coats, upright curled tails, small, pointed ears, and thick necks. The breed dates back to the early 1900s in Japan, where they were bred as guard dogs for royalty and nobility. Later, people used Akitas as hunting and fighting dogs, and they became a symbol of protection and prosperity in Japan. They have also been used for police and guard work. Akitas tend to have a strong-willed temperament and can be very territorial with the people they love. Due to their territorial nature, Akitas are often stereotyped as aggressive dogs. However, an Akita’s aggression often has more to do with a negligent owner than with the breed itself.

Despite these stereotypes, Akitas are common family pets because they are loyal, affectionate, and playful. With proper training, Akitas can be obedient and friendly pets. However, without adequate training, Akitas can be stubborn and prone to aggression when strangers or new people visit. Additionally, because Akitas are very territorial, they tend not to like having other pets in the house. Other pets and even small children can draw attention away from the Akita, which, when not properly trained, can make the Akita jealous and possibly lead to an attack. It can also make them overprotective of their food dish and toys—even when a human is interacting with them. This can be very dangerous with newborns and young toddlers in the house whom the dog may see as competition for attention anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Akitas Dangerous?

While they can make great pets and guard dogs, Akitas can become dangerous if they are improperly trained. Akitas can be very strong-willed and tend to act independently without proper training. With proper training, Akitas can become very obedient and lovable dogs. If untrained, an owner’s negligence can turn into a catastrophic situation for strangers and new family members alike.

What if I Was Bitten by an Akita That Escaped Their Home?

If you are bitten by an Akita or any other dog that escaped from its home, report the incident to animal control as soon as possible. In this case, the negligent dog owner is still responsible. If you do not know the dog’s owner, give animal control a description of the dog so they can try to locate the dog and its owner. If animal control locates the dog and reports that it has not previously attacked anyone else, the owner may still be held liable under a negligent handling cause of action. If animal control cannot locate the dog, you need to get tested for rabies as soon as possible.

Will Animal Control Take My Akita Because it Bit Someone?

When animal control is contacted because your dog bit someone, your dog will need to be quarantined for 10 days while animal control records the case and monitors the dog for signs of rabies. In most cases, after the 10-day quarantine period, you can pick up your dog unless Animal Control determines that a dangerous dog case is needed. If Animal Control determines it needs to move forward with a dangerous dog case, a court hearing will determine whether the dog meets the dangerous dog requirements.

How Can I Hold an Owner Liable After a Dog Bite?

An owner can be held liable for their dog’s actions under the One Bite Rule. The One Bite Rule states that dog owners can be held liable for their dog’s aggressive acts only after the owner has reason to know the dog has aggressive tendencies. If the dog has never bitten, the owner has no duty to anticipate the first attack, so the first bite gets a pass.

If the One Bite Rule does not apply, the owner may be held liable under a negligent handling cause of action. Under negligent handling, Restatement (Second) of Torts § 518 states that an owner who possesses an animal they have no reason to believe is abnormally dangerous is liable for harm the animal causes if they are negligent in failing to prevent it. For instance, if the dog is injured or recently gave birth, the owner should keep strangers away because the dog may be extra sensitive or more protective than usual. In both instances, the dog has not shown previous signs of aggression; however, the circumstances may cause it to become aggressive. Thus, the owner has a duty to prevent these incidents.

Report the Bite

Texas law requires you to report a dog bite. Animal control needs to know this information to ensure there is no threat of a rabies outbreak. Here is information on how and where to make your report in the greater Houston area:

• Reporting a Dog Bite in Houston, Texas.
• Reporting a Dog Bite in Katy, Texas.
• Reporting a Dog Bite in Conroe, Texas.

Call Us After an Akita Attack

At Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., our lawyers are here to help those who have been seriously injured as a result of a dog bite. We understand that dog bites can cause a lot of harm, and we will do everything we can to fight for your rights to a proper recovery. Our Houston dog bite attorneys have been representing dog bite victims since 1979. Call us at (713) 932 -0777 for a free consultation. You do not reimburse our expenses or pay us an attorney fee unless we recover for you.