Dog bites happen often in Indiana. Unfortunately, many of these incidents go unreported, and even fewer dog owners are held accountable for their aggressive animals. There are a number of reasons why victims don’t report dog bites to the police, such as they don’t want to cause trouble or have anything happen to the dog in question. Although that seems reasonable on the surface, failure to report a dog bite can lead to dangerous repercussions for others and the animal in question. Here’s why:
The Next Victim—Dog bites are rarely isolated incidents. If a dog attacks a human once, they’re sure to do it again. By failing to report the attack or hold the owner accountable, you are opening the door for future attacks on others. What if the next person the dog attacks is a child or an elderly person? Are you prepared to take that chance? We’re not.
Signs of Neglect—We don’t believe dogs are naturally aggressive. They are taught aggression by their owners. Whether the owner intentionally raises their dog to become a weapon or they unintentionally make them so through neglect or mistreatment, the dog is a victim as well. By not reporting a dog attack, you are enabling the owner to continue to treat his animals in this way, and that’s not okay.
If a dog has attacked you, do the right thing by reporting the attack to the police. Then give us a call to learn your rights. You can prevent future attacks by holding the owner accountable, and we’re ready to help you do just that. Call us today for a free consultation.