Dog bite cases are always a little bit tricky. There are some who think that no matter the circumstances if a dog bites, it is the dog’s fault and it should be euthanized.
Then there are those at the other end of the spectrum who always blame humans for a dog biting and are willing to leave the dog with the owners with restrictions. I personally am in the middle — depends on the bite.
There is a difference between a dog bite and a dog attack. I do not think a “dog bite” situation should always end in euthanasia.
Dog attacks are a whole different story.
A dog bite is where the dog bites then retreats — a dog attack is where once the dog gets started, he continues to bite. This is extremely serious and can result in injury or death.
I find it interesting that there are some people who think that a dog does not ever have the right to protect itself. They believe that a child should be able to poke, prod, pull ears and tails, lie on the dog and generally make a dog’s life miserable without any of this resulting in a dog bite. Why?
Another behavior I find bizarre is that people let their children go up to dogs they do not know and put their faces in the dog’s face. This is asking for your child’s nose to be bitten off. It is never a wise tactic for anyone to put their face in the face of a strange dog.
Hugging dogs who do not know you is another good way to get bitten. To a dog, this is an act of aggression. How would you feel if while walking down the street someone you don’t know grabs you and gives you a big, tight hug and won’t let go?
When dealing with dog bites there are several questions to ask.
1. Why did the dog bite?
2. Is there a history of biting?
3. Was the dog put in a fearful or overwhelming situation? And what could you as the owner have done to protect others and your dog?
4. Did you knowingly put your dog in a situation where you knew there was potential for biting? Example: I would never take my dachshund around a lot of children; he gets overwhelmed and afraid.
Warning signs for him are: first, he retreats if pursued he snarls and as a last resort he snaps and runs.
As a result if I see any of these signs I remove him immediately. So yes, it is up to dog owners to access situations, know their dogs and not put them in situations that could result in a dog bite.
Reasons for dogs to bite:
1. Abuse
2. Not spayed/neutered
3. Chained — particularly dogs who are chained 24/7 with little interaction
4. Teased
5. Rewarded for aggressive behavior
6. Rough play
7. Not properly trained or disciplined
8. Fear
9. Someone moves aggressively toward animal or taunting
10. Leaving children unsupervised with a dog
11. Food, treats, bones or going into dog’s crate or area; territory issues
Protect yourself, your dog and others — be a smart responsible dog owner. You could save human injury or death and you can save your dog’s life as well.
Maleah Stringer, program director of Anderson Animal Care and Control, is also president of the Animal Protection League. She can be reached at maleahstringer@aol.com.
Columns
Related Photos
-
John P. Cleary
Discussion
Maleah Stringer: Dog bites can be avoided
- Columns
-
-
Verna Davis: Church and state — separation or silence?
It’s time we realize, as Charles J. Chaput says, that “exiling religion from civic debates separates government from morality...That road leads to politics without character.” It’s time we realize that it’s time to speak up. The future of our country depends on our doing just that.
-
Heather Bremer: Can Smith cash in on another Big Willie Weekend?
After yet another four-year break, Will Smith once again ventures into waters of the summertime box office with today’s debut of “Men in Black III.” Luckily for Big Willie, it’s the first weekend in ages that won’t be ruled by “The Avengers” … probably.
-
Susan Miller: Looking for a summer vacation vocation
Summer vacation is often a synonym for summer vocation, particularly for teenagers.
-
Jim Bailey: Amazing races keep things lively for family in May
Used to be when you spoke of a race in May, the Indianapolis 500 came to mind. For our family this year that will be an afterthought.
-
Primus Mootry: The Great Divide continues in the U.S.
Last Saturday, at a South Carolina GOP fundraiser attended by a thousand people, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., labeled President Barack Obama as the most “divisive figure in modern American history.” Sen. Rubio is certainly entitled to that opinion, but that’s all it is — an opinion.
-
Emmett Dulaney: Today’s actions hurt tomorrow
I have no recollection of why, but for some reason when we were kids my brother could not stand Catfish Hunter.
-
Bill Stanczykiewicz: Managing disagreements can be teens' gifts for Mom and Dad
New research suggests that teenagers who are allowed to disagree with their parents are more likely to resist negative peer pressure and avoid dangerous behaviors such as drug and alcohol use.
-
Scott Underwood: Good news plays role in journalism
The refrain from readers is almost constant in the careers of serious community journalists: You guys print too much bad news and ignore the good news.
-
Charo Boyd: Social Security serves wounded warriors, families
It’s an American tradition to pay tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces each Memorial Day — especially honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country.
-
Maureen Hayden: Readers say it best in response to column about primary
In a recent column, I posed a question about why only 19 percent of Indiana’s 4 million voters cast a ballot in the May primary. I promised not to chastise anyone who would ’fess up to not voting.
I’ll keep part of the promise: I won’t do the scolding, but will let someone else heap on a bit of shame. - More Columns Headlines
-
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Fight Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns
Neighbors of Etan Patz's Suspect: It's Shocking
Gulf Fishermen Reel From Seafood Troubles
Stuntman Makes Skydive Without Parachute in UK
Raw Video: Bride Who Faked Cancer Released
