Dogs are one of the most common household pets in the United States, with nearly 80 million domesticated dogs in the country already, and the number growing every year. With the rise in popularity of having dogs as pets and the shifting notions of how to best care for your pet’s social needs, off-leash dog parks, where owners can let their dogs play freely in fenced forests and fields, have begun to show up in urban areas.
Unfortunately, not all dog owners are responsible enough to safely bring their dogs into a dynamic social environment like a dog park. In these cases, a pet can get out of hand and become aggressive, causing injuries to unsuspecting victims. If you have suffered an injury in a dog park attack, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and other losses. To learn more about your legal rights and how to pursue the compensation you may deserve, call our experienced Des Moines dog bite attorneys of LaMarca Law Group, P.C., today at (515) 705-0233.
Avoiding an Attack
Dog parks, especially ones without leash laws, depend on the honor system, as there is no real way to enforce the rules of a park outside of calling the police after an incident. To help contribute to a safe environment for owners and pets alike, people should stick to these four simple guidelines while at the dog park:
- Don’t bring socially ill-adjusted dogs to a dog park where they can quickly become overwhelmed by new experiences.
- Adjust dogs slowly to large groups by limiting their exposure to brief visits at first and praising them for good behavior. Dogs that have been solitary for a long time may not play well with others right away.
- Have a passable mastery of voice commands over your dog before taking them to a dog park. Sit, stay, and come are all invaluable when it comes to avoiding an unpleasant conflict.
- Get involved immediately if your dog becomes aggressive with a firm, but calm intervention. Remove the dog from the dog park if the behavior continues and try again at a later time.
Regrettably, many dog owners do not follow these guidelines, causing innocent people to be at risk of being attacked by a dog. If this has happened to you, you may be able to hold the responsible dog owner accountable for their negligence.
Contact Us
If you have been injured in a dog bite accident due to the negligence of another dog’s owner, our experienced Des Moines dog bite lawyers at LaMarca Law Group, P.C., will work diligently to help you recover the compensation you may be due for your injuries and losses. Call us today at (515) 705-0233 for a free consultation to discuss the details of your case.