Michael Millett, an 8 -year-old boy was brutally mauled and killed by two dogs in his Florida neighborhood in Volusia County. According to a Fox News report, Michael was riding a bike with a friend in the Berry Ridge neighborhood in DeLand when he was attacked by two dogs that officials say appeared friendly at first. Police said it “went from petting and a very friendly encounter to the dogs becoming very, very, very vicious and very violent.” Michael was bitten 12 times by the two dogs, identified as a pit bull terrier and possibly a Catahoula, which is a herding breed.
Horrific Dog Attack
Police said they are not sure how long the attack lasted, but believe the boy died quickly from “horrific injuries.” Officials are vowing to hold the dog owner responsible and to make sure the dogs are put down. Volusia County Animal Services took the dogs into custody after being chased back to their owner’s home by sheriff’s deputies. Police say they swabbed every one of the 12 bite wounds for DNA and can conclusively say that those two dogs were responsible for Michael’s death.
The dog’s owner has a lengthy rap sheet and has been arrested nine times in the past for a number of charges, including drugs, domestic violence, and assault, officials said. She was not on her property at the time of the attack or when the dogs ran back home after the attack. Her home was about half a mile away from where Michael was attacked, officials said.
Police who arrived at the property also noted that it was not fully fenced and that the dogs could easily get out. Neighbors also reportedly told police about how it was common for the dogs to be roaming around the neighborhood and that they also killed neighbors’ chickens. The fatal incident is still under investigation. We offer our deepest condolences to Michael’s family and pray for them.
Fatal Dog Attacks in the U.S
Fatal dog attacks in the United States are a rare but significant public safety issue. According to statistics, there are typically 30 to 50 fatal dog attacks annually across the country. While any breed of dog can potentially cause fatal injuries, certain breeds are disproportionately involved in these incidents. According to Dogsbite.org, pit bulls and Rottweilers are involved in the majority of fatal attacks. Pit bulls, in particular, account for around 60% to 70% of fatal incidents despite representing a smaller percentage of the overall dog population. This has sparked ongoing debates about breed-specific legislation and the role of breed versus owner responsibility.
Fatal attacks often involve vulnerable populations. Data shows that children under 10 years and older adults over 65 are at higher risk. Children are more likely to suffer head and neck injuries, while older adults are more susceptible to complications from severe wounds. Most fatal dog attacks also tend to occur in familiar environments. About 75% of fatal incidents involve dogs known to the victim, such as family pets or those belonging to friends or neighbors. Factors contributing to attacks include neglect, lack of proper training, or dogs being left unsupervised with children.
What Are Dog Owners’ Responsibilities?
Dog owners have a critical responsibility to prevent their pets from causing injury and harm to others. Key aspects of responsible dog ownership include the following:
Training your pet: Ensuring dogs are well-trained and socialized is fundamental to preventing aggressive behaviors, including dog attacks. Proper training helps dogs understand acceptable behavior while socialization exposes them to various environments, people and other animals, reducing the likelihood of fear-induced aggression. Several studies show that most dog attacks are preventable when dogs are properly socialized and taught appropriate behaviors.
Supervision and restraint: Owners must supervise their dogs, especially around strangers and children, to prevent unexpected aggressive incidents. Utilizing leashes and secure enclosures when in public or unfamiliar settings is essential to maintaining control over the dog’s actions. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises that responsible pet ownership includes carefully selecting your pet, socializing it to feel at ease around people and other animals, and supervising it in various situations.
Complying with laws: Adhering to local laws and regulations that pertain to pet ownership is imperative. This includes licensing, vaccination and following leash laws. In California, for instance, the Civil Code mandates that dog owners take reasonable steps to remove any danger presented to others if their dog has bitten someone.
Recognizing the red flags: Owners should be vigilant for signs of aggression or discomfort in their dogs, such as growling, snapping or rigid body language. Recognizing and addressing these behaviors promptly through training or by getting professional assistance can help prevent potential attacks.
Can Owners Be Held Civilly Liable in Fatal Dog Attacks?
Dog owners can be held civilly liable for fatal dog attacks under laws that protect public safety and provide compensation to victims’ families. Civil liability typically arises when the owner’s actions or negligence contributed to the incident. The specifics vary depending on the jurisdiction, but the most common legal principles include:
Strict liability: Many states, including California, have strict liability statutes, meaning dog owners are automatically responsible for injuries or fatalities caused by their dogs, regardless of the dog’s history. Under these laws, the victim’s family does not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. They only need to show the attack occurred without provocation.
Negligence: Dog owners can also be held liable if their negligence caused or contributed to the attack. This includes failing to secure the dog, violating leash laws, or ignoring signs of aggression. For example, if owners knowingly allow dangerous dogs to roam freely, they may be found negligent in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Premises liability: Premises liability laws may apply if the attack occurs on the owner’s property. Owners have a duty to ensure their property is safe for visitors, which includes properly restraining pets.
Wrongful death claims: The family of a fatal dog attack victim can file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for damages, including medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
An experienced California dog bite lawyer can help victims’ families navigate a complex legal process and help them secure justice and compensation for their tremendous losses.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/us/florida-boy-8-maliciously-mauled-death-dogs-stopped-pet-out-riding-his-bike-sheriff
