There are a number of ways that a pet dog can cost you money. Puppies like to chew on things; older dogs lose their ability to control their bladder function; and vet bills will often mount up quickly if the dog falls ill.
However, some costs are less expected. Nevertheless, it is very wise to be aware of them.
Dog Bite. Undoubtedly, the most common reason for dogs sending their owners to the courtroom is biting. When a dog feels anxious, threatened, or is hurt in some way, it is likely to lash out. Even the mildest and most well-trained dogs can lash out when placed under great stress. This is why a personal injury attorney recommends keeping dogs behind locked doors or within a fenced yard when guests are visiting the home. New faces -particularly those of overzealous and curious children – always represent some level of stress for dogs.
This is not a new problem in this country. Approximately 4.5 million people will suffer dog bites this year and more than 15 percent of those attacks will result in the need for medical care. Many of those cases will involve a pet biting its owner. One of the most widespread misconceptions is that only the “bad” breeds will inflict such harm. According to the American Humane Society, 25 dog breeds have been responsible for fatal wounds to their human companions.
As the Saint Petersburg owner of a dog that attacks another person, you will be held liable for injuries inflicted. The financial costs can be tens, or even hundreds, of thousands of dollars depending on the severity of the injuries. However, that price tag is minimal compared to emotional loss that comes with an abrupt end to a friendship or the loss of a life.
Getting Off The Leash. It is one of the most emotionally taxing moments of your life. You sit, kneeling on the ground with the limp body of your longtime family pet in your lap and cry. What could be worse than watching your dog get hit by a vehicle? How about the moment that you learn that on top of having it bury your furry friend, that you also will be held responsible for the damages done to the car when the collision occurred?
Whether it was because he broke his leash and playfully ran ahead of you on your walk or because he was quick to dart out the door of your St. Petersburg home, the accident that takes place when the dog runs into the road is the dog’s fault and, by extension, yours.
Unwarranted Breeding. Another less common form of negligence relating to dog ownership is unwarranted breeding. That is to say that, if your unfixed male dog breaks out of the backyard and heads to a yard a few houses down where an unfixed, purebred female dog resides, there is bound to be trouble.
Dog breeders and those who show prized dogs often invest a great deal of money and time into choosing the right mates for their valued pups and when Fido happens upon their ready female, it is likely that they will suffer a financial loss as a result. You could be held responsible for this. That is even more true should something happen to the female during the pregnancy or birth of the pups.
It is very important as a pet owner to understand the blanket of responsibility that you take on by welcoming a dog into your home. This should make it increasingly clear why proper training and leashing is essential when taking your pet outside the house.
If you have been harmed as a result of a dog’s bad behavior, then you have every right to contact a personal injury attorney as well.