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Michigan Dangerous Dog Breeds & Laws

2016/5/3 14:03:09
A breed of a dog is a group of dogs that have similar or almost identical characteristics in their aspect or behavior, or generally both. Statistics prove that some breeds of dogs are often more dangerous then others. According to a Vet Med Special Report (JAVMA, Vol. 217, No. 6, September 15,2000) the top five breeds responsible for 64.9% of all dog bite fatalities in September 2000 were:

1.) Pit bull (26.95% of dog bite fatalities)

2.) Rottweiler (15.6% of all dog bite fatalities)

3.) German Shepherd

4.) Husky

5.) Malamute

More recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that from 2006-2008 pit bulls were found responsible for nearly 60% of deaths in the United States dog bite fatalities. Other dangerous breeds include Dalmatian, Pres Canario, Doberman Pinschers, Boxer, and Chow Chow.

Statistics do prove that certain breeds of dogs are more dangerous than others; however that doesn't necessarily mean that every dog of that breed is dangerous. Part of a dog's behavior is their breed but the other half has to do with the dog owner. A dog is more likely to be dangerous if the dog owner encourages aggressive behavior.

Dogs do provide a sense of security for people and property. If you own a dog, there are precautions you should take to make sure others do not get attacked or injured by your dog and to make dog ownership safe for you.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta advise dog owner that:

-Owners should carefully choose your pet dog by evaluating the environment and lifestyle

-Potential owners should speak with a professional to determine the appropriate type of pet

-Dogs should be neutered to reduce aggressive tendencies

-Never leave infants or young children alone with a dog

-Be sensitive to cues that a child is fearful or apprehensive about a dog

-Children be taught basic safety around dogs and reviewed regularly

-Dogs with histories of aggression are inappropriate for families with children

-Owners should not play aggressive games with their dogs

-If bitten, the bite should be reported immediately

There are specific Michigan laws that apply to dog bite cases. Owners and keepers of dogs in Michigan are strictly liable for dog bites and attacks. This means that the dog bite victim does not have to prove that the owner was negligent, only that he or she was bitten or attacked by the dog. There are also strict Michigan leash laws that hold the dog owner liable if their unleashed dog bites or attacks an innocent person. Owners of dogs should know important information about their dog and things that they can do to prevent dog bites and attacks.

If you or a family member has been injured by a dog in Michigan, you should contact a Michigan dog bite lawyer immediately. There are strict time limitations in Michigan for filing a dog injury claim and if you wait too long your case may be barred forever.