Arizona Law On A Dog Biting Another Dog

Arizona Law On A Dog Biting Another Dog

All dogs aren’t always well-behaved. Unfortunately, there are some things that the strongest leash and years of “good puppy” training can’t prevent. One of those things is instinctual aggression. Unless you have a dog whispering friend nearby, an aggressive dog can cause you and other animals a lot of trouble.

House Bill 2137, also known as Fabian’s Law, is a recent law passed by the Arizona state government regarding dog attacks. It was signed into law in 2011 and involves dog-on-dog assaults.

It states that a dog owner will hold legal responsibility for a dog-on-dog attack. Owners whose dogs bite other dogs can be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor and pay up to $2500 in fines.

As a dog owner, it’s your responsibility to know pet law in the state where you live. In Arizona, pet owners can even serve jail time for animal negligence. At the very least, you can have expensive fines to pay.

When another dog bites your dog, you need to know what to do and what legal actions to take.

 

What to Do During the Attack

When two dogs are fighting, or one is attacking another, you mustn’t intervene. Dogs can be vicious, especially when they feel threatened. Reaching a hand in or trying to separate the dogs will only put you in danger.

Punching or kicking the other dog will just make it more upset and tighten its grip. If your dog is attacked, the best thing you can do is detach the leash. This allows your dog to defend itself more freely. You can also try a dog whistle. This can temporarily disable the attacking dog.

In the worst-case scenario, if you feel your dog’s life is in danger and you can’t control your instinct to intervene, you should look for a strong object to hit the other dog. Strike its head or hindquarters. Hopefully, this will frighten the attacking dog and give you and your dog enough time to escape.

 

What to Do After the Attack

When a dog bites another dog, the attacking dog will be forced to quarantine for ten days while the attack is investigated. During this time, you should monitor your dog closely. Look for odd behavior and symptoms of rabies. If they end up being positive, you will be informed so you can get your dog treated.

If the dog is determined not to be vicious after the investigation, it will be returned to the owner after quarantine. If an aggressive dog is determined to be vicious, the owner may be forced to display a “dangerous dog” sign on their property or euthanize the dog. Arizona law states that anyone with a vicious dog needs to keep their animal in an enclosed area with warning signs.

Regardless of the outcome of the investigation, the dog owner is entirely responsible for all damages caused during the attack.

 

What to Do If You’ve Been Injured Trying to Stop the Attack

If you sustained injuries during the dog attack, then the owner will be liable for all of your injuries. You can seek compensation for medical bills by filing a lawsuit. If you received injuries in a dog attack, call us. A personal injury lawyer knows how to handle your case properly and ensure you get adequate compensation for your trouble.

 

How to Care for Your Dog After An Attack

After your dog has been attacked, their mental health should be your primary concern. Fights and attacks can be traumatic for dogs, especially small ones, and their recovery is long and challenging.

Take your dog to the vet immediately to address any physical injuries. Even if you don’t see any, there can be internal damage that you’re unaware of. Even if there are no physical injuries, the vet should be able to tell you if your dog is in shock or in a depressive state.

Dogs’ behavior can change after an attack. They can become fearful of other animals, defensive, and less energetic. If you feel your dog has been traumatized from an attack, then you can hire a trainer or behavior professional to help them recover and get back to normal.

 

How to Spot an Aggressive Dog

The best way to deal with a dog attack is to avoid them entirely. If you can identify an aggressive dog before it comes within striking distance, then you and your furry friend can escape before the trouble starts.

These are some of the most common signs of an aggressive dog:

  • Excessive staring at your dog
  • Barking in a low tone
  • Snarling
  • Growling
  • Snapping jaws
  • Ears held erect
  • Stiff tail moving slightly from side to side

 

If Your Dog Is Attacked, Seek Assistance Right Away

Dog attacks in Arizona can lead to criminal charges and should be taken very seriously. If you or your dog suffered any injuries, you may be entitled to legal compensation. Contact us today to learn about your options. Remember to stay safe and tell your furry friends we say “hello!”