A neighborhood in Pomona in Los Angeles County has raised concerns about a pack of dogs that continue to get out of their home and attack other dogs and people.
According to a KTLA news report, one of the dogs belonging to a woman in the neighborhood reportedly attacked a couple who were walking their three Yorkies on Sept. 21 near Palomares Street and Roosevelt Avenue.
The same dogs recently attacked another woman and her dog, according to their reports. One neighbor called the dogs “vicious.”
Neighbors Fear the Dogs and Are Fed Up
Both incidents were captured on home surveillance cameras, with the two dogs seen charging across. In the recent attack, they were seen pouncing all over the woman and her dog, KTLA reports. One neighbor, Borg Zambrano, said he was inside working when he heard screams from the street.
In footage of the incident seen by the media outlet, Zambrono can be seen grabbing his garden hose and spraying the dogs to try and deter them from attacking the woman and her pet.
KTLA reports that the dog owner can be seen in the video running over moments later and struggling to corral the animals. The woman who was attacked sent photos to the TV station of the puncture wounds her pet sustained during the attack.
Neighbors on the street say they are fed up with what seems to be an ongoing problem with the woman’s dogs. One neighbor said the dogs crawled out from under the fence and managed to get out.
KTLA talked to the woman who lives in the home where the dogs are kept. But, the woman, Everia Condon, said the dogs belong to an acquaintance and that she has somehow been stuck with the dogs for several months.
While the dogs are reportedly no longer in Condon’s home, neighbors say it’s only a matter of time before they return, before someone else gets injured or killed.
Definition of ‘Dangerous’ or ‘Vicious’ Dogs in California
In California, a “dangerous” or “vicious dog” is legally defined based on the animal’s behavior and its threat to public safety. According to the state’s Food and Agricultural Code Section 31602, a dog is classified as “dangerous” if it:
- “Aggressively attacks” a person or domestic animal without provocation, causing injury or death.
- “Behaves menacingly,” displaying aggressive behavior (like chasing or lunging) towards individuals in a way that could lead someone to reasonably fear for their safety while they are lawfully in a public or private place.
A “vicious dog,” as per Section 31603, is a dog that has:
- “Inflicted severe injury or death” on a person without provocation.
- Been previously deemed dangerous, and after the designation, engages in further aggressive behavior or attacks that cause injury.
There are important exclusions and exemptions. For example, dogs used by police or the military for official duties are exempt. Additionally, a dog reacting aggressively to being provoked, teased, or attacked may not fall under these definitions.
Once a dog is classified as dangerous or vicious, local authorities may impose restrictions like requiring the dog to be confined or muzzled in public. In extreme cases, the dog may be euthanized if it poses an ongoing threat to public safety.
Owners are typically required to take measures like maintaining proper control of their dogs, using leashes, and erecting fencing or secure enclosures to prevent future incidents.
Can a Person Caring for a Dangerous Dog Be Held Liable?
In California, a person caring for a dog can be liable for dog bites in certain circumstances. California follows a “strict liability” rule under Civil Code Section 3342, which means that the dog’s owner is liable for any bites, regardless of the animal’s prior behavior or the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s aggressiveness. However, liability can extend to a “caretaker” or person temporarily responsible for the dog.
A person caring for a dog, such as a dog sitter or dog walker, may be liable if they had control over the dog at the time of the incident and failed to manage it properly. If the caretaker was negligent in controlling the dog or in preventing the bite, they could be held legally responsible.
What to Do If A Dog Has Bitten You
If a dog has bitten you, it’s important to take immediate steps to protect your legal rights:
Seek medical attention for the bites
Even if the bite seems minor, clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water to reduce the risk of any infection. Apply an antiseptic and cover the wound with a clean bandage.
If the bite is deep, is bleeding heavily, or shows signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus), seek medical attention immediately. You may need stitches, a tetanus shot or even antibiotics.
Document the dog attack incident
Take photos of the injury and the location where it occurred. Get the dog owner’s contact information and details about the dog’s vaccination status, particularly for rabies.
If there were witnesses, collect their contact information as well. Preserve any torn or bloody clothing and all invoices relating to your medical treatment and other costs incurred due to the dog attack.
Report the dog bite
Dog bites should be reported to local animal control or public health authorities in California. This helps ensure that the dog is checked for rabies and also helps prevent future incidents.
Contacting an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer
If the bite resulted in injuries, medical expenses, or lost income, consulting with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who can help protect your rights at every step would be best.
Dog attacks not only leave victims with physical injuries and potentially permanent physical scars but also lead to life-altering emotional and psychological injuries.
Injured dog bite victims may be able to seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, cost of psychological therapy, past and future pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Source: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/southern-california-neighborhood-irate-over-repeated-pit-bull-attacks
