Carrollton Dog Bite Lawyer
A dog can be a great addition to your home, and a fun lifelong companion. However, becoming a dog owner comes with a lot of responsibilities. As a Carrollton dog owner, you are responsible for your dog’s actions.
In Texas, if your dog bites someone and the victim can prove that…
- Your dog has bitten someone before,
- You knew that your dog was aggressive, or
- You were negligent,
…then you could face legal action. For the most part dog bites are preventable; there are things you can do to ensure that your pet knows how to behave properly in any situation.
Preventing Your Dog from Biting
Dog bites mostly happen because a dog was not trained properly or bad behaviors were never corrected. It is easier to handle behavioral issues before they become habits.
- Spay or neuter your dog. This is an important and routine procedure that reduces your dog’s desire to roam and fight with other dogs. It also makes them less aggressive and less likely to bite.
- Socialize your dog. Introduce your dog to all types of people and environments as a puppy, so that it does not get nervous and lash out in different situations.
- Train your dog. For the best results you and any family member who will frequently be around should accompany the dog in training classes. This ensures that everyone (including the dog) is on the same page on how the dog is expected to behave.
- Teach your dog to behave. Never allow your dog to chase after or attack others. Even if it is done in fun, dogs are not always able to tell when a person is not playing.
Carrollton Animal Ordinances
The City of Carrollton provides a clear reference page online for its animal ordinances. Animal Services can help resolve most animal-related issues such as barking dogs, too many animals, unsanitary conditions, and stray animals. Call them at (972) 466-3420.
For owners, the City of Carrollton Code of Ordinance, Chapter 91, requires all cats and dogs to be restrained by a leash, chain, or in a fenced area. All pets must be registered with the city, and no more than 2 cats OR 2 dogs are allowed on any premises that has no enclosed backyard fencing. No more than 3 dogs and 3 cats may be kept in a rear yard.
If you are bitten or scratched by a dog, Carrollton notes that by Texas law, you must report it to the local rabies control authority. If the skin is broken, the animal must be quarantined at a state-approved facility for 10 days. If a stray’s owner is not located within 72 hours, the dog will be euthanized and tested for rabies.
What Should I Do If I Have Been Bitten by a Dog?
If you are bitten by a dog the first thing you should do is examine your wound. Immediately wash the wound with soap and water and apply antibiotic ointment to prevent infections.
Any time you are bitten by a dog it puts you at risk for getting rabies. If you were bitten by a stray dog and think it may be rabid, contact animal control as soon as possible to capture the dog. Also call 911 so you can begin rabies vaccinations. You should also seek medical attention immediately if:
- The wound is serious. Uncontrolled bleeding, loss of function, extreme pain, etc.
- It becomes red, painful, warm, swollen, or if you develop a fever.
- The wound is deep, and it’s been more than five years since you received a tetanus shot.
Ask the owner to provide you with the dog’s vet records to determine if the dog is up-to-date on vaccinations. If the vaccinations are up-to-date it is less likely that you will contract any infections from the bite. Animal control can take steps to ensure that the dog doesn’t harm anyone in the future; however, the dog’s owner can be held liable for any injuries that were caused.
If you had to seek medical attention due to a dog bite, contact the law offices of Steele Law, P.C., for a free consultation. If we try your case no fees will be charged unless you reach a settlement. We work tirelessly to achieve the best results for our clients. Call (214) 333-9393 and speak to one of our Carrollton personal injury lawyers.
SLS Consulting: