A dog bite can happen anywhere there is a dog, but there are some areas this can happen more commonly in San Diego. The San Diego dog bite lawyers at Kashou Law understand it is important to stay well-informed to mitigate risks when it comes to protecting yourself and your family from dog attacks.
Dog-Friendly Locations in San Diego May Pose a Greater Risk of a Bite
Dog bites commonly happen in locations that are otherwise considered ‘dog-friendly’. The risks are often particularly high in areas with more chaos and dogs that may not know each other well. Regardless of the location, California Civil Code 3342 states that dog owners are liable for any damages or injuries their animal causes in most situations.
Dog-Park
Some of the most common places to get a bite are off-leash dog parks. Some bite estimates are as high as 20% of dog owners reporting their dog was bitten at a park. This often happens when owners or handlers step in to break up a scuffle. Though dog parks typically have rules regarding your dog’s vaccination status and general disposition, they typically rely on owners to use their discretion and judgment when deciding to take their dog.
Hiking Trails
Places like the Kumeyaay Lake Trail can be more prone to dog bites simply because they are more manageable to young children who are most likely to be bitten, and dogs. Additionally, many people think that their dog is safe off leash in these settings, leaving them unable to appropriately control their animal, or protect their space if strangers with poor dog etiquette approach.
Private Residence
According to a recent report, California ranked number 1 in the 10 states with the most dog bites. This report shows that 48,596 dog bites were reported to the emergency room for their injuries, though there were only 2,104 claims.
Many dogs are okay with new people or other animals outside of their home, but they may become more defensive when you enter their space, which can increase the chances of a bite. Further, the casual environment of a home can make people more likely to disregard or ignore a dog’s boundaries and invade its space. This often happens during play or with little ones learning how to engage with animals.
Preventing Dog Bites in Areas with Higher Rates of Attacks
Any dog can, and will bite under the appropriate circumstances. However, whether you are the owner or a passerby, you can reduce the chances of a bite by taking some of the following precautions:
- Avoid unpredictable movements or sounds
- Pay attention to the dog’s body language
- Let them approach you
- Always ask permission before petting a dog
If you are the owner of a dog, make sure they are socially and physically equipped. An overwhelmed or injured dog is more likely to bite. Always keep your dog on a leash, and stay aware of your surroundings so you are able to appropriately intervene on your dog’s behalf.