Pit Bulls in the Media
The American Pit Bull Terrier, commonly called the “Pit Bull,” has very powerful jaws. These dogs have garnered media attention in the past because the breed has been associated with a number of severe attacks and even some deaths. When owners do not properly raise, train, and care for these dogs, they can cause serious harm in an attack.
When any dog attacks someone, you have to look at the circumstances surrounding the attack to determine why it happened. Some questions to ask are:
- Was the dog improperly trained by a bad owner to be an attack dog?
- Was the owner negligent in caring for the dog?
- Did the owner fail to introduce and/or supervise the dog properly around children and strangers?
- Was the dog provoked?
All of these issues may come into play in assessing whether the owner is responsible for the bite. At Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., we have experience looking into these issues to determine why an attack happened. Call us today to talk to a dog attack lawyer at 713-932-0777.
Pit Bull Background
Pit bulls originated in England. They resulted from breeding English Bulldogs and Old English Terriers. These dogs were originally bred and trained as “catch” dogs, which are dogs that catch large animals such as hogs or wild cattle and can also be used during hunts. Pit bulls are also known as American Pit Bull Terrier, Pitbull, Pit Terrier, Bull-and-Terriers, Half and Half, Bull Baiter Dogs, Yankee Terrier, Rebel Terrier, New Yorkies, St. Francis Terriers, and Staffordshire Fighting Dog.
Why Pit Bulls May Attack
Misuse as a Fighting Dog
In the past, people bred and used pit bulls as fighting dogs. Unfortunately, illegal dog-fighting rings still exist today. They still use pit bulls in their operations. If you run across a dog that has been mistreated and used for dogfighting, they may attack without any provocation simply because it is what the criminal owner taught it. This is also why it is good to ask about a dog’s origins when adopting.
Improper Training by the Owner
In addition, dogs may attack if they believe they are protecting their owner or home, if they feel threatened, or if they are simply improperly trained and socialized. Like any breed of dog, pit bulls can become overly aggressive simply because the owner does not understand how to properly handle or train the dog. When the owner knows the dog has a vicious or aggressive tendency, he or she must prevent the dog from accessing the public and warn people about the dog’s dangerous nature.
Tethering
Chaining dogs can further encourage aggressive behavior. Tying or chaining a dog to a stake or post is not a proper way to keep a dog. It puts the dog in a situation where, if it is in fear, it cannot retreat for its own safety. The “fight” or “flight” instinct that all animals have when in danger becomes a “fight only” option when they cannot retreat. This can actually make a dog more aggressive. A dog attack lawyer can help you investigate and determine whether the dog attack in your case resulted from poor training, breeding, or negligent ownership.
Other Resources:
- Katy Dog Attack Shows Why Some States Impose Strict Liability. Learn why many states do not follow the one bite rule.
- Attorney Paul Cannon on Sidebar Podcast as Dog Bite Expert. Hear from our dog bite attorney about how the law applies to serious attacks.
- Can Dog Bites Cause Permanent Injuries? Learn about the injuries that come from dog bites and attacks.
- When Does a Dog Have Dangerous Propensities Abnormal to Its Class? Learn how to prove liability in a dog bite case.
- Dog Attacks Can Lead to Criminal Penalties. Learn about the criminal repercussions.
Talk to an Attorney
At Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., we have experience handling pit bull attacks and other dog attack cases. We have helped many victims of attacks recover from negligent dog owners who failed to keep their dogs properly restrained and failed to warn people of their vicious tendencies. If you need to speak to a dog bite lawyer in Houston about your rights, call us. We serve all of Texas for these types of claims and will assist others outside the state in the event of a serious dog attack. The initial consultation is free, and if you hire us to handle your case, we charge no attorney’s fee or litigation expenses unless we recover money for you. Call (713) 932-0777 to speak with our attorneys today.
Author
