My Dog Was Attacked by a Pitbull and I Want to Prevent It

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Pitbull Lying Down in Black and White
Credit: pexels.com, Pitbull Lying Down in Black and White

I'm so sorry to hear that your dog was attacked by a pitbull. It's a traumatic experience, and I'm here to help you take steps to prevent it from happening again.

Pitbulls are often stereotyped as aggressive dogs, but the truth is that any dog can be aggressive if not properly socialized and trained.

In the US alone, there are over 4.5 million reported dog bites each year. Pitbulls are responsible for a disproportionate number of these bites, but this doesn't mean they're inherently violent.

It's essential to understand that most dog attacks are preventable, and by taking a few simple precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of another attack.

The Attack

Laura Hunt was walking her 6-month-old Aussie puppy, Bean, when a pit bull jumped out of an alley and began attacking them both.

The dog bit Hunt through her sweatshirt, sinking its teeth in her back, and then went for Bean, strangling her by the throat.

Bean suffered severe injuries, including parts of her gums being ripped out of her mouth and skin being ripped off her legs.

Hunt's neighbors heard the screaming, grabbed a shovel, and beat the pit bull until it stopped.

Neighbor's Dogs Attack Long Beach Woman

Credit: youtube.com, Neighbor's pit bull mixes attack Long Beach woman, kill her dog

A Long Beach woman, Reis-Bastiaans, was attacked by two pit bull mixes while walking her four dogs.

She was knocked down and her beloved dog, Willy, was killed in the attack.

The owner of the pit bull mix dogs admitted to accidentally leaving the gate open, allowing them to escape.

He's taking full responsibility and is sad that animal control took his dogs away.

However, neighbors have reported that this isn't the first time the owner has had problems with his dogs, citing barking and carrying on.

The city of Long Beach Animal Care Services is investigating the incident and plans to have a vicious dog hearing for this case.

The medical bills for Reis-Bastiaans' other dog, Gidget, who was treated for a broken leg, are not specified.

However, a Dallas woman, Laura Hunt, had medical bills of upwards of $6,000 for her puppy, Bean, after a pit bull attack.

Credit: youtube.com, Woman who killed neighbor's dog as it attacked her speaks out

Bean suffered severe injuries, including four teeth and a mouth bone removal, and her eyes hemorrhaged from strangulation.

Reis-Bastiaans described Willy as "so sweet" and said he died just one second after being attacked.

The owner of the pit bull mix dogs said he's sad that animal control took his dogs away, but neighbors are calling for action to be taken to prevent future incidents.

Bull Attacks

Pit bulls have been involved in many canine bite incidents, with a staggering 65% of fatal and disfiguring attacks on humans between 2010 and 2021.

All dogs have the potential to bite, regardless of breed or size.

Aggressive behavior in dogs is often a result of their environment and how they are treated, rather than their breed itself.

Dog attacks can have a significant psychological impact on victims, including physical injuries and emotional trauma.

Pit bull attacks are often a result of abuse and baiting behavior, which can lead to aggressive behaviors in the dogs.

Pit bulls originated in the United Kingdom as a cross between the old English bulldog and a terrier.

Dog attacks can cause fear, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in victims.

Incidents and Statistics

Credit: youtube.com, GRAPHIC CONTENT: Pit bull kills family dog in savage attack

Pit bulls were reportedly responsible for 65% of fatal and disfiguring attacks on humans between 2010 and 2021.

However, it's essential to consider that all dogs have the potential to bite, and aggressive behavior in dogs is often a result of their environment and how they are treated.

The statistic doesn't account for the high rate of abuse and baiting behavior that pit bulls often endure, which can lead to aggressive behaviors.

Many incidents involving other breeds go unreported, leading to an overrepresentation of pit bull attacks in the statistics.

Pit bulls originated in the United Kingdom as a cross between the old English bulldog and a terrier, and are not a purebred breed.

Prevention and Impact

Dog attacks can have a significant psychological impact on victims, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

Victims of pit bull attacks are particularly vulnerable due to the severity of the injuries that can be inflicted.

I've heard that a fear of dogs can develop from such traumatic experiences, impacting daily life in significant ways.

These psychological effects can be just as debilitating as physical injuries, making prevention and awareness crucial.

Role of Training and Socialization in Preventing Attacks

Credit: youtube.com, Puppy Socialization - Tips to Positively Work On Exposure Training

Dogs, including pit bulls, are not naturally aggressive.

Many pit bull owners choose the breed for guard duties and purposefully mistreat their pit bulls to trigger aggressive behaviors.

This mistreatment contributes to the breed's reputation as aggressive dogs.

Pit bulls spend three times longer in shelters than other breeds.

Approximately 1 million pit bulls are euthanized annually.

Dog Attack Psychological Impact

Dog attacks can have a significant psychological impact on victims, particularly those who experience severe injuries like pit bull attack victims.

Victims may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

The trauma of dog attacks can be long-lasting and affect daily life, causing a fear of dogs that's hard to overcome.

Physical injuries and emotional trauma often go hand-in-hand in dog attack cases, leaving victims with lasting emotional scars.

A Dallas woman and her puppy were lucky to survive a brutal pit bull attack, but the incident left them both with serious physical and emotional wounds.

Credit: youtube.com, Are Dog Bites Dangerous? Understanding the Risks and Potential Consequences

The woman's puppy required emergency medical care and had to undergo surgery to repair damaged teeth and gums, with medical bills totaling over $6,000.

The traumatic experience has left the woman shaken and worried about the safety of her neighborhood, where she fears there might be more aggressive animals on the loose.

Personal Injury Lawyer: Your Ally

A personal injury lawyer can be your best ally in navigating the complex legal landscape surrounding dog bite injuries. They specialize in cases where individuals have been injured due to the negligence or intentional actions of others.

If you suspect that a dog harmed your loved one due to the negligence of its owner, a personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and the responsibilities of pit bull owners under the law.

Animal bite laws vary by state and can be complex, which is why a lawyer can be a valuable resource in seeking justice and compensation for your injuries. They can conduct a thorough investigation of the incident, including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts.

A Pitbull Terrier in Close-Up Photography
Credit: pexels.com, A Pitbull Terrier in Close-Up Photography

Many dog owners have insurance policies that cover animal bite injuries, and a lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to seek a fair settlement. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a personal injury lawyer can present your case to a judge or jury.

Here are some key ways a personal injury lawyer can help:

  • Understanding the Law: A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and the responsibilities of pit bull owners under the law.
  • Investigating the Incident: Lawyers can conduct a thorough investigation of the incident, including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts.
  • Negotiating with Insurance Companies: A lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to seek a fair settlement.
  • Representing You in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a personal injury lawyer can present your case to a judge or jury.
  • Seeking Compensation: A lawyer can help you seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Don't hesitate to seek legal help if a dog has injured you. Many personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay unless they win your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do if your dog is attacked by a pitbull?

If your dog is attacked by a pitbull, remain calm and try to distract the other dog from a distance while calling your dog away. After the incident, report it and take your dog to the vet for a thorough examination and treatment.

What triggers a pitbull to attack?

A dog's fear, often caused by lack of socialization, can trigger aggressive behavior in pitbulls when they're exposed to strangers. Socialization is key to preventing fear-based aggression in pitbulls and other breeds.

Will my dog be traumatized after being attacked?

Yes, a dog can be traumatized after a dog attack, and may exhibit emotional scars alongside physical wounds. Look out for behavioral changes to determine if your dog has been affected.

Kristen Mills

Junior Assigning Editor

Kristen Mills is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a passion for crafting compelling stories that resonate with readers. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for identifying emerging trends, Kristen has successfully overseen a wide range of article categories, including Pet Health Issues. Throughout her career, Kristen has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a dedication to delivering high-quality content that meets the needs of diverse audiences.

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