Dog attacks nationwide are surging to pre-pandemic levels, particularly in crowded, urban areas.
The San Francisco Standard pored through hundreds of documents obtained from public records requests to see what is driving the worst dog attack cases and what local officials are doing or not doing to curb vicious dogs and hold negligent dog owners accountable.
The media outlet reports that what emerges is a picture of a San Francisco that was once a haven for pet owners but is now a “minefield for dog attack victims and a sensory assault for breeds with genetic proclivities that make urban life stressful.”
Effects of Victims and Attacked Pets
The steep increases in pet adoption since the pandemic have only increased tensions by making dog-human interactions more frequent as an understaffed animal control department in the city struggles to keep up.
The ones who end up suffering and bearing the brunt of these dog attacks are, of course, the victims. Yuko Murakami, a victim who was attacked by a rottweiler as well as attacking her pit bull, spoke to The Standard. The attack left her and her dog fearful.
Murakami herself spent six days in the hospital and $12,000 on out-of-pocket medical bills to stitch up her calf and surgically treat an infection from the bite on her hand. She also spent $1,000 more on a dog behaviorist to learn how to manage her traumatized dog.
The emotional and psychological effects of a dog attack on victims are even more pronounced. Murakami tells The Standard that it took months after the mauling last fall in Portero Hill for her to venture out alone with her dog again.
When she sees other dogs off-leash with their owners absorbed in their phones, she avoids dog parks and becomes alarmed.
Dog Bite Statistics
Deadly dog attacks in the U.S. have more than doubled over the past ten years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – from 40 a year to 100.
According to the state’s Department of Health Care Access and Information, in 2022, dog bites resulted in nearly 49,000 emergency room visits in California, a 70% increase compared to 2005. The Standard says the danger of dog attacks is more pronounced in densely populated cities like San Francisco.
Nationwide, dog bites are a significant public safety concern, with millions of incidents reported annually. CDC reports that 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year.
Of these, around 800,000 bites require medical attention, with children being the most common victims. In fact, children between the ages of 5 and 9 are at the highest risk of dog bites, often suffering more severe injuries.
About 20% of dog bite victims need medical care, and injuries can range from minor cuts to severe trauma, particularly to the face and hands.
Dog bites also account for a considerable number of liability claims. The Insurance Information Institute (III) reported that in 2022, dog-related injury claims cost U.S. insurance companies nearly $1 billion.
Waning Accountability for Negligent Dog Owners
The Standard’s investigation looks into how careless dog owners in San Francisco have escaped punishment for the harm their pets have caused.
Many dog attack victims talk about how the city’s animal control department did not respond to their complaints and reports about vicious dogs, leading to repeated attacks and dog bite injuries to community members.
The publication also reports that fewer dog attacks are adjudicated in the city. While dog bites rose from 590 in 2020 to 760 last year, dog hearings fell from 159 to 37, according to city data obtained by The Standard.
What to Do If You Are Injured in a Dog Attack
If you are injured in a dog attack, it is crucial to take immediate steps to protect your health and legal rights. Here’s a guide on what to do:
Seek prompt medical attention. Even if the injury seems minor, dog bites can lead to infections, such as rabies or tetanus. Thoroughly clean the wound with soap and water, and apply an antiseptic, but seek professional medical care as soon as possible. A healthcare provider can assess the risk of infection and determine if stitches or a tetanus shot are needed.
Document the incident. If possible, take photos of your injuries, the location where the attack occurred, and the dog involved. This evidence may be crucial later if you pursue a legal claim. Make notes on the dog’s behavior and the circumstances leading up to the attack.
Identify the dog and owner. Try to gather information about the dog’s owner, such as their name, address, and contact information. Find out if the dog is vaccinated, especially for rabies, and whether it has a history of aggressive behavior.
Report the attack. Contact your local animal control or police department to report the incident. This creates an official record of the attack, which may be important if legal or insurance claims arise.
Consult an experienced personal injury lawyer. Consider seeking legal advice if your injuries are severe or you incur significant medical expenses. Dog owners are often held liable for attacks under state laws, and a lawyer can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Holding Negligent Dog Owners Accountable
Holding negligent dog owners accountable is crucial for promoting public safety and ensuring victims of dog attacks receive fair compensation.
Due to strict liability laws, dog owners in many states are liable for any harm their pets cause, regardless of whether the dog has previously displayed aggression. In these cases, victims can sue for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If the owner was negligent, such as failing to properly restrain the dog, allowing it to roam freely, or not addressing known aggressive behavior, they may face additional liability.
Victims can strengthen their case by documenting the attack, obtaining witness statements, and reporting the incident to local authorities.
In severe cases, negligent dog owners may also face criminal charges, especially if the attack results in serious injury or death. Holding owners accountable through legal action encourages responsible pet ownership and reduces the likelihood of future attacks.
