Is Shropshire suffering from a plague of vicious dog attacks? Barely a week passes without reports of a horrific attack on some innocent victim, often with horrific consequences. Unsurprisingly dog owners and victims alike are uncertain of the laws surrounding dog attacks. If you are the owner, are you liable if your dog injures or attacks somebody? If you are the victim of an attack, can you claim for compensation and press criminal charges?
Karen Lowe a solicitor at local law firm Lanyon Bowdler specialises in helping the victim of dog attacks in their claims for compensation. Karen comments "We have seen an unprecedented rise in the number of clients who have suffered a dog attacks in recent months."
When is the dog owner liable?
Dog owners are potentially liable for their dogs, whatever breed it may be. If a dog has previously shown any tendency towards aggressive behaviour, the owner, (or the person in control of the dog at the time of the incident), may become liable to pay the injured victim compensation for personal injuries and consequential losses.
The "Dangerous Dogs Act", came into force in May 1991 and it states that any Pit Bull Terrier, (Pit Bull Type), Japanese Tosa and Fila Brazilliero, have to be muzzled and on a lead whilst in a public place. Because these are "dangerous breeds" any injury caused by them will lead to compensation, irrespective of any previous incidents.
Karen continues "If you own a dog of this breed, it is an offence not to have them muzzled and on a lead! Failure to do so can lead to a fine, or imprisonment for up to six months or in some cases both. If you have been bitten by a dog contact a local solicitor who specialise in dog attacks, as you may be eligible for a compensation claim".