Chicago Dog Bites and Dog Maulings: Highland Park Waits to Decide on Proposal to Ban Pit Bulls
In Chicago’s Highland Park, officials have agreed to hold off on making a decision about a proposal to ban pit bulls from the city until they do further research. The proposal had met with resistance from pit bull advocates.
Highland Park Mayor Michael Belsky put forth the prohibition proposal after a teenage girl had to have hundreds of stitches sewn into her face and shoulder after a pit bull attacked her.
The dog bite victim, 14, was petting Bam Bam, a 9-year-old male pit bull earlier this month when the pet attacked the girl. Following the Chicago dog bite incident, Bam Bam was euthanized. The pit bull's owner was cited for failing to vaccinate the dog for rabies and not having a dog license. Bam Bam was on a leash when the Highland Park dog attack happened.
Legislation targeting specific breeds has met with resistance from orgaizations such as the American Kennel Club and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Opponents of such legislation say that the dog owners, not a specific breed, should be punished.
Dog Bite Prevention Week
Throughout the United States, May 17 - 23, 2009 is dog bite prevention week, which is designed to promote awareness among dog owners and people that are around dogs so that dog attacks don't happen.
Dog Bite Facts:
• Approximately 4.5 million dog bite injurires occur annually.
• 885,000 of these dog bite victims will need to see a doctor for their injuries.
• 31,000 dog bite victims had to undergo reconstructive surgery in 2006 to heal their dog bite injuries.
• The age group at highest risk of becoming a dog bite victim is children, ages 5 to 9.
Some Steps Illinois Dog Owners Can Take to Prevent Dog Attacks or Dog Maulings:
• Leash your dog.
• Socialize your pet.
• Train your dog.
• Teach your dog how to play in a non-aggressive manner.
• Teach your dog how to obey you.
• Don’t leave your dog unsupervised when children are around.
• If your dog is an aggressive or dangerous dog, keep him or her away from others or properly restrain your pet so no one gets hurt.
You or your child may be entitled to Illinois personal recovery for a Chicago dog attack incident.
Highland Park waits on pit bull ban, Chicago Tribune, May 15, 2009
Dog Bite Prevention, CDC
Related Web Resources:
Tips to Prevent Dog Bites, American Kennel Club
Contact our Chicago personal injury law firm today.
