Police in New Jersey recently reminded dog owners that it is their responsibility to secure their properties to prevent their dogs from escaping. Residents must not let their dogs off their properties without them being leashed to avoid passersby suffering dog bite injuries. This followed a recent incident when police were called to an incident in which a woman was walking her leashed dog when a pair of dogs escaped their owner’s home and attacked her dog.
Reportedly, a similar incident happened earlier this year when these two dogs also attacked the same woman’s dog. However, on that occasion, the woman also received dog bites when she tried to stop the fight. Authorities say dogs can roam freely on their owners’ properties, but secure fencing must keep them from escaping. While walking their dogs, people must keep their dogs away from other dogs, and also from children, and even adults.
In this case, the owner of the two dogs received summonses for having unlicensed and potentially dangerous dogs running unleashed off the owner’s property. These measures might prevent a third incident in which the woman and her dog are attacked. However, the summonses will not cover the damages suffered by the woman who was attacked.
In New Jersey, victims of dog attacks might have grounds to pursue claims for emotional damages, medical expenses, and other financial losses, such as vet costs for treatment of the injured dogs. It is not uncommon for victims of dog bite injuries to suffer lasting trauma. An experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyer can answer questions about the viability of a civil lawsuit, and then provide support and guidance throughout the ensuing legal proceedings.