Why Homeowners are Held Accountable for Increased Dog Bite Incidences in 2011

In a recent investigative report of all dog-bite related fatalities released by the National Canine Research Council (NCRC), it was revealed that almost a third of dog owners involved in the 2011 incidents were charged with crimes accordingly. The specific charges filed against the involved dog owners included manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and endangering the welfare of a child.

For more than 20 years, the NCRC has been researching dog bite-related fatalities and maintains the most accomplished database on these incidents available anywhere.

Incidentally, during its research, the NCRC discovered significant evidence of owner abuse and neglect of the dogs involved in the dog bite cases. And although only one of the owners was formally charged with animal abuse, most of them were said to be isolating their dogs for long periods, confining them on animal chains, and failing to provide the canines with necessary medical treatment or allowing them to run loose in the neighborhood.

As appearing upon its years-long detailed investigations into the conditions in which the owners kept their dogs involved, the NCRC noticed the distinction between a resident dog and a family dog. Resident dogs are those confined within a dwelling or those that are isolated by their owners and kept off from regular, positive human interactions. Obviously, resident dogs are those that are not maintained as family pets.

The council’s research found out that 68 percent of the fatal dog bite incidences last year involved resident dogs.

In a statement release by the NCRC’s Founder and Director of Research, Karen Delise, she explained that resident dogs cannot be expected to present the same degree of social competence as family dogs do. Family dogs are incorporated into the family unit and were given an opportunity to learn proper behavior through positive and humane interaction with people regularly. Whereas, resident dogs are left uneducated or untrained, Delise further discussed.

Unfortunately, last year alone, in a 70 million canine population and a 310 million human population, some 31 dog bite related fatalities were recorded.

Apparently, a dog’s behavior completely relies on how it was raised by its owner. Therefore, the recent report indicates the need of owners to be well-educated about proper dog-raising. Also, they should be totally aware about their responsibilities in the community as a dog owner, reminded by a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer.