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California 3-year-old gets 50 stitches after dog bite

On Behalf of | Jan 31, 2014 | Dog Bites |

When a pet bites someone, many people in San Diego are quick to label the animal as “dangerous.” While the animal may be a threat, there are times when dog owners are to blame for the attack. Taking a dog into potentially threatening situations when you know it is prone to biting is irresponsible behavior that can result in an incident.

At a hardware store in Murrieta, a 3-year-old boy reached out the pet an Akita, which was on his leash with his owner. The dog ended up attacking the little boy, causing deep lacerations under the child’s eye and chin that needed 50 stitches. Fortunately, the father of the child noted that the boy’s attitude is “real good.”

This was not the first time the dog had run-ins with young children, as local law enforcement said that the Akita had two separate incidents with another 3-year-old and a 5-year-old. A supervisor with an animal control agency said the animal will not be euthanized, however, because the owner of the dog was found irresponsible.

The owner, a 62-year-old Murrieta man, left the store before the authorities could arrive. He was arrested on suspicion of criminal negligence though later released on a $5,000 bail. He turned the Akita over to the rescue facility, where the dog may be adopted so long as the owners take the proper safety precautions, such as muzzling the dog when it is in public. The founder of the rescue facility said she does not think the dog should be in a home where any interaction with a child is possible.

Anyone who suffers an animal bite may be entitled to compensation for their pain and suffering. Victims should immediately contact an attorney who can help them file a claim.

Source: The Press-Enterprise, “Murrieta: Akita in Lowe’s biting incident spared; boy healing,” Aaron Claverie, Jan. 9, 2014

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