Personal Injury Law

Pit Bull Bites Rochester Toddler

A pit bull attacked and bit a 4-year-old Rochester boy who was riding his bike in the neighborhood, according to this news report (). The child, whose name was not released, was reportedly bitten on the forehead. The boy was riding his bike with his uncle and when the two stopped at a house to speak with another man, the pit bull attacked the boy. The dog was on a leash tethered to the front porch and inside the home, but forced his way out, lunged at the toddler and mauled him.

The child was taken to an area hospital. His injuries were not life-threatening. The dog has been impounded by animal control officers and police investigators are also looking into whether the dog owner should face charges in connection with this dog attack. Apparently, this is the third time in three weeks in Rochester that a pit bull has attacked and injured an innocent bystander.

Each year in the United States, close to 5 million people are attacked and bitten by dogs, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. About 1,000 people in this country visit the emergency room each day because of dog bit injuries. A majority of victims are infants and toddlers who are most vulnerable to these attacks because of their age and size.

Many cities and counties in the United States have their own dangerous or vicious dog laws. The laws dictate what dog owners? responsibilities are and what steps he or she should take in the interest of public safety. A dog, that is known to be aggressive, must be kept restrained at all times. Some cities have specific legislations for certain breeds such as pit bulls and rottweilers, which are believed to be more aggressive and involved in more fatal attacks than other breeds.

If you or someone you love has been a victim of dog attack or dog bite injuries, please be informed that you have legal rights. Please contact a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro for a free consultation.

Full post as published by New York Injury Talk Blog on September 30, 2008 (boomark / email).