Some people have an innate fear of animals. It makes sense to fear the unknown, and even seemingly innocent pets can be sources of anxiety for some San Diegans. Dog owners have a responsibility to prevent attacks as well as take the proper action if an incident occurs. In Orange County, some people are considering going a step further by letting people know where dangerous animals live.
The San Diego animal services department keeps track of dog bites, including ZIP codes where incidents take place. The 92113 area – which includes downtown – had the most bites in the area between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013. There were 113 reported incidents in the area, and one department representative says “first-time” offenders caused these instances.
When a dog bites someone, animal services places the animal in a wing of the county building for 10 days. Currently, more than a dozen dogs are in this quarantine, which serves as a warning for animals with just one offense. Another bite within the next four years could have more serious repercussions, including being classified as a “dangerous dog” for the rest of their life. Some Orange County officials are considering building a website to alert people about these dangerous dogs, listing the addresses of where these dogs live.
Regardless of if someone knows a dog is dangerous or not, incurring a bite can be a traumatic and unwarranted event. Victims should consider seeking legal help to pursue a claim against the dog’s owner, as the individual may be entitled to compensation.
Source: NBC San Diego, “Tracking Dog Bites in San Diego,” Steven Luke, Nov. 26, 2013
