1 June, 2017
Summer is quickly approaching in Southwestern Ontario, and with the weather getting warmer and the days getting longer, there is an increase in the number of people enjoying the great outdoors.
For dog owners, summer is the perfect time to spend some quality time outside with your furry canine friend. Whether going on long walks on the trails, running side by side on the jogging path or playing fetch at the park, both dog owners and pet-free individuals alike will start to notice more animal activity happening in their neighborhoods this summer.
While many dogs appear to be adorable and cute, it’s important to remember that each dog has it’s own behaviour, temperament and personality. It can only take a split second for a friendly interaction to go wrong. When this happens you may become a victim of a dog bite or attack, which can lead to serious and even life threatening injuries.
Dog bite injuries are not usually a common topic of discussion, but you may be surprised to learn that an estimated 460,000 Canadians become victims of dog bites each year, according to the Canada Safety Council. The most concerning part about this statistic is that 50 to 70 per cent of these victims are children. Experts suggest that the reason children fall victim to dog attacks more often is because they lack the ability to recognize the signs of a dog who has become alarmed or aggressive. Because of this, it’s important to educate your children about the risk of dog attacks and approaching both familiar and unfamiliar dogs.
What to do if a dog attacks or bites you
When it comes to interacting with dogs, the unfortunate reality is that attacks and injuries can happen. If you or someone you love is attacked by a dog, it’s important to know what to do next. If you find yourself in this situation you should:
- Seek medical attention immediately;
- Report the attack to authorities;
- Document your injuries (take pictures of the wounds);
- Contact anyone who may have witnessed the attack; and,
- Contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your options and rights.
Dog Owners’ Liability Act
In Ontario, dog attack victims have certain rights through the various legal principles outlined in the Dog Owners’ Liability Act. Under this act, the dog owner is liable for any injuries inflicted by their dog and responsible to pay for the damages.
Not only can dog bite injuries be painful and require a lengthy recovery period, they can also leave lasting physical effects such as disfigurement and scaring, as well as emotional effects as a result of the trauma of the experience or from the nature of the injuries themselves. Both the short term and long term impacts of a dog bite can change your life forever, so it’s extremely important to discuss your options with a personal injury lawyer in order to cover the cost of these damages.
