Rottweiler Kills Toddler
A 20-month old little Florida boy was attacked and killed by a Rottweiler after dropping his cookie on the floor, according to law enforcement authorities in New Port Richey, Florida. The baby was visiting his aunt’s home during a party Saturday night. The boy went to grab the cookie when the dog went for him.
Panicking, family members tried to pry the dog off the child, but it was too late. He died in the hospital. Animal control took the dog, which under law they have to keep for 10 days during which time the owner may request a hearing.
When a dog is in the hands of animal control and they are considering putting him up for adoption, one of the tests is to see if he is food aggressive. They try and remove the food while the dog is eating. If the dog goes for the person, he is considered unable to be put up for adoption.
Surely the owners of this dog would have known they had a problem with a large animal that had food aggression. Nonetheless, our hearts go out to this family for their tragic loss.
Generally, the owner of an aggressive dog that bites a person is liable for damages suffered by persons bitten. However, if there is any negligence or contribution by the person bitten, it reduces the liability of the owner. For example, if you are trespassing and are bitten by the dog that is there to protect the property, the liability of the owner is reduced. If a child provokes the dog, it could be considered the cause of the accident, reducing his recovery of damages.
However, if the child is under the age of six, it is presumed he is incapable of committing such negligence. Parents still have the responsibility of controlling and adequately supervising their child. If they fail to do so, it too could reduce the compensation payable by the dog owner if there is a bite.
Many homeowners’ insurance policies will not offer coverage if they find you have a breed considered dangerous, such as a Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Doberman Pincher, or Pit Bull.
Here is a good summary of Florida’s laws: http://www.animallaw.info/statutes/stusflst767_04.htm
Every year about 500 Florida resident are bitten severely enough to require hospitalization and two Floridians die due to injuries from dog bites. Nationally, more than 4.7 million Americans, half of them children, are bitten by dogs. Summer months tend to be the worst for dog bite injuries.
If a dog has previously been declared a dangerous dog, the owner is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.
Please do not ever leave your baby unattended with your dog. Surgeons will tell you that they are often called upon to repair the faces of children that were literally torn apart by the beloved family pet. Each one said the same thing, "This dog was so loving and protective. We never thought she/he would do anything like this."
Source article: http://www.news4jax.com/news/21954332/detail.html
