In several Arizona counties, animal bite reports have significantly increased with one county recording more than 100 incidents. Though the increase can be partially attributed to an increase in both population and pet ownership, some believe the problem lies in the environment that an animal inhabits. According to some of the available statistics, bites have been inflicted by more than just those dogs that are usually considered a dangerous breed.
One couple recounted their experience in escaping a potentially tragic attack. As they were taking a walk with their toddler grandnephew and leashed pet, they were attacked by a neighbor’s pit bulls. The uncle lifted the child out of the way while his partner attempted to shield their dog for which she suffered a bite to her knee. The neighbor was able to gain control of one of his dogs and his wife managed to wrestle the other dog back inside. This is the second incident involving these particular dogs for which the owners were previously charged with having dogs at-large.
An animal control officer said that out of 104 reports of animal bites in the past fiscal year, approximately 32 of them were counted as dog attacks. Though the level of aggression seems to have increased, less than a third of these attacks involved pit bull-type dogs. Animal professionals stated that while some breeds are more prey-driven with a greater propensity toward aggression, whether a dog attacks is more a product of poor or inadequate training than viciousness.
Regardless of what may have led to an attack, those who are injured often suffer from more than physical scars. Whether the offending animal is a so-called dangerous breed or not, these horrifying attacks take a toll physically, mentally and economically. Arizona has a strict liability law regarding unprovoked attacks, and victims can seek recovery of their monetary damages by means of a civil lawsuit.
