A 1-year-old boy was killed in a brutal dog attack during his first birthday celebration in Henderson, Nevada. According to an Associated Press news report, the tragic incident occurred when the boy was on the floor with his grandmother in her house. The child crawled over to the family’s dog, a Mastiff/Rhodesian ridgeback mix, and started to pet it. At the time, the dog latched its jaws around the boy’s head and began to shake him back and forth. Family members eventually freed the child and he was transported to an area hospital where he died. The dog was declared vicious and will be euthanized, officials said. Family members said the dog had no history of violence. An investigation continues into this incident.
This heartbreaking incident shows that any dog can attack suddenly. Although statistics show that certain breeds of dogs, such as pit bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds, tend to attack more, any type of dog can be a danger, especially to young children. It is important that young children and infants are kept away from dogs to prevent a dog attack, even if the animals are known and familiar.
Under Nevada law, there is no strict liability when it comes to dog bites. In order to be held liable in Nevada, the dog’s owner must know that the dog had a tendency to bite. Victims must also prove that the dog’s owner, despite the knowledge of the dog’s prior viciousness, failed to control or restrain the dog.
Dogs can be wonderful companions for children. They can provide friendship, comfort, and protection. However, it’s important to remember that dogs are animals and can act unpredictably. Therefore, parents and caregivers must take steps to ensure that children are safe around dogs.
Here are some tips for keeping children safe around dogs:
Teach children how to interact with dogs
Children should be taught to respect dogs and their space. They should learn to approach dogs slowly and quietly, without making sudden movements or loud noises. They should also be taught to ask the owner’s permission before petting a dog.
Supervise all interactions
Children should always be supervised when they’re around dogs, especially if they’re very young. Dogs can be unpredictable, and even the most well-behaved dog can become agitated or fearful around children.
Socialize dogs
Dogs that are well-socialized are more likely to be friendly and relaxed around children. Socialization involves exposing dogs to different people, places, and situations, so they learn to be calm and confident in any environment.
Don’t leave children and dogs alone
Even if a dog is normally very friendly, it’s best not to leave them alone with children. Children may accidentally hurt the dog, or the dog may become agitated or fearful if the child is too rough.
Understand a dog’s body language
Dogs communicate through their body language, and it’s important to understand what they’re saying. Signs that a dog may be feeling uncomfortable or threatened include growling, barking, stiffening up, and showing their teeth. If a dog is exhibiting any of these behaviors, it’s best to remove the child from the situation.
Teach children how to react to a dog
If a dog becomes aggressive or frightened, children should know what to do. They should be taught to stand still, avoid eye contact, and speak calmly and firmly. Running away from a dog or screaming can make the situation worse.
Keep dogs on a leash
Dogs should be kept on a leash when they’re outside, especially in public places. This not only protects children from aggressive dogs, but it also ensures that the dog doesn’t run off or get hit by a car.
Make sure dogs are up-to-date on vaccinations
Dogs should be vaccinated against diseases such as rabies and distemper. This not only protects the dog, but it also protects children and other animals from potentially deadly infections.
Create a safe space for dogs
Dogs should have a safe space where they can retreat to when they’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed. This can be a crate or a designated area of the house. Children should be taught to respect this space and not to bother the dog when it’s in there.
Set boundaries
It’s important to set boundaries for both the dog and the child. Dogs should be taught to respect the child’s personal space, and children should be taught to respect the dog’s personal space. This includes not touching the dog’s food or toys, and not pulling on their tail or ears.
The amount of compensation available to dog bite victims in Nevada depends on the circumstances and severity of the case. The experienced dog bite attorneys at Shook & Stone have helped dog attack victims obtain compensation for damages such as medical expenses, loss of wages, hospitalization, cost of cosmetic surgery, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, please contact us at 702-570-0000 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.
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