Many people love dogs and choose them to be their household pets. In fact, there are millions of dogs in American households of all breeds and sizes.
As of 2023, there are 65.1 million dogs residing in homes across America. While they can make wonderful and loving pets, some dogs can be very unpredictable. Some may even attack or bite without being provoked.
Alarming Statistics About Dog Bites in the U.S.
The World Animal Foundation has published some recent statistics on dog bites in the U.S. These statistics reveal that nearly 4.5 million people are the victim of dog bites every year, and what’s worse is that half of those dog bite cases involve children.
While dog bites are common, it’s less common for them to be fatal. The exception is children, who are far more vulnerable to these types of attacks. Most dog bite victims suffer broken or punctured skin, head and neck injuries, facial and eye injuries, broken bones, scarring, nerve and tissue damage, and emotional trauma.
Other statistics from the World Animal Foundation reveal that 70% of dog bites are caused by unneutered male dogs and that Pitbulls and Rottweilers are the breeds most responsible for all dog bites, cited in 77% of all cases. In 2019, 33 out of 44 fatal dog attacks were caused by Pitbulls.
However, you should be aware that any kind of dog, big or small, could bite or attack. If this happens to you or someone you love, you should know more about the laws in Tennessee and your legal rights.
What to Know About Tennessee’s Dog Bite Laws
In Tennessee dog bite or dog attack cases, the owner of the dog has a legal obligation to keep their pet under reasonable control at all times. They will be held responsible for bites and attacks even if their dog has never exhibited dangerous behavior or if it gets out without the owner’s knowledge.
There are several exceptions to the dog bite laws in Tennessee. If you provoked the dog or were trespassing on private property, then the owner is not responsible for the injuries. Similarly, if the dog was kept in a crate or kennel and it bit you, or the dog in question is part of the military or police and performing its duties, you won’t have a valid claim.
Often, the reason that so many people get dogs as their companions is that they can provide an extra measure of protection. If the dog that bit you was protecting the owner or another innocent person from you or your dog when you were injured, it is considered an exception to these laws.
Additionally, the ‘One Bite’ rule in Tennessee may make it difficult to hold a dog owner responsible for a dog bite. If you or one of your children have been bitten or attacked by a dog, you will want to get legal advice from a personal injury attorney to find out more about your options.
