When a dog attacks a child, it is an emotionally charged situation for everyone involved, including the child, the parents, and the dog owner. While many dog bites are relatively minor and do not require extensive medical care, others can result in severe injuries, trauma, or even death. The risk of both serious injury and trauma are especially high with children.
For parents, the first priority is always their child’s safety and recovery. However, many wonder what consequences the dog may face. Specifically, if a dog bites a child, does it have to be put down?
The answer is complex and varies depending on the circumstances, state laws, and the behavior of the dog leading up to the incident. The Richards Firm is an accident, injury, and dog bite attorney office in Hamilton, Ohio. Over the years, we’ve handled numerous dog bite cases involving children and adults.
Let’s explore what factors are considered when a dog bites a child, what actions you should take afterwards, and whether euthanasia is required by law.
Children and Dog Bites: Understanding the Risks
Because of their small size and relative inability to protect themselves, children are especially vulnerable to dog attacks. A bite that might only bruise an adult can have far more severe consequences for a child. The increased risks of dogs biting children include:
- Facial injuries: A child’s face is often at the same height as the dog’s mouth, increasing the likelihood of facial wounds.
- Weaker defense: Children are less able to physically fend off an attack.
- Smaller limbs: Dogs can easily get a grip on a child’s arm or leg, causing significant damage.
For any human, dog bites can result in puncture wounds, nerve damage, broken bones, or even long-term disfigurement. For children, serious injury is much more likely. In addition to physical harm, children often suffer emotionally from such encounters, experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety. A child that once loved dogs might now be terrified of them, regardless of breed or size.
Though it may seem insignificant at the time, this can continue to cause problems well into adulthood. Therapy and counseling may be necessary, adding to the financial burden on families.
What You Can Do If a Dog Bites Your Child
After a dog bite, parents are understandably overwhelmed. It’s important that you take the right actions as soon as possible to safeguard your child and avoid further harm. If your child has been bitten by someone’s dog, here’s what you should do:
- Seek medical treatment immediately to treat injuries and document them. Even if the bit appears relatively minor, it is highly recommended that you visit an urgent care or emergency medical facility.
- Report the bite to local animal control or law enforcement. A dog that has bitten one child may do it again. It’s critical that the appropriate procedures are followed after the bite.
- Document the incident by taking photographs of the injuries and speaking to witnesses. Make sure to get contact information from anyone you speak to.
- Speak to a personal injury attorney to ensure you pursue the right course of action and understand your legal rights.
Each dog bite case is unique. An experienced legal professional can help you navigate the specifics of your situation.
If a Dog Bites a Child, Does It Have to Be Put Down?
People are often concerned about the well-being of the dog, even when it has bitten their child. We’re regularly asked the question if a dog bites a child, does it have to be put down? It’s important to know that a dog that has bitten someone is not immediately put to sleep. Ultimately, it depends on the specifics of the situation, as well as your location.
In Ohio and Kentucky, there are a few factors that are considered:
- The severity of the attack: Did the bite cause minor injuries, or was it a severe mauling?
- The dog’s history: Has the dog shown aggressive behavior or bitten someone before?
- The child’s behavior: Was the child teasing or provoking the dog?
- Owner negligence: Was the dog off-leash or improperly contained at the time of the attack?
Under Ohio Law
, any dog that bites a person triggers a mandatory report, which may come either from the victim or the medical facility (ER or urgent care) providing initial care. Following a bite, the dog is evaluated for rabies. State officials may also interview the victim, dog owner, and witnesses to assess whether the dog should be classified as dangerous, vicious, or a nuisance.
Dogs with up-to-date vaccinations are typically quarantined for 10 days. In contrast, unvaccinated dogs may face up to a four-month quarantine. This isolation can occur at home, in a kennel, or an animal shelter. In unfortunate cases where the dog is found to have rabies, the bite victim will require treatment, and the dog may be euthanized to prevent further spread.
If authorities deem a dog dangerous, specific restrictions apply. The dog must be registered with the county auditor, wear a “dangerous dog” tag, and be confined either on a leash under 6 feet or in a secured enclosure. These precautions help protect the community from potential harm.
Reducing the Risk of Dog Bites
While not every bite can be prevented, educating children and pet owners about responsible behavior can reduce the likelihood of attacks. Parents should teach children how to interact safely with dogs. This includes:
- Avoiding unfamiliar dogs without the owner’s permission.
- Not disturbing a dog while it’s eating or sleeping.
- Recognizing warning signs of aggression, such as growling or showing teeth.
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the pet owner to ensure their dog is properly trained and boarded. However, taking preventative measures can help parents avoid dangerous situations if/when pet owners fail to fulfill their responsibilities.
If you are a pet owner, make sure you are properly training and socializing your dogs. If you’re out in public, always make sure they have a leash. If you expect to be around children, and your dog is unfamiliar with children, you may want to leave them at home, with a friend, or at a dog daycare.
When to Speak to a Lawyer About a Dog Bite
If your child has been bitten, the first thing you should always do is seek medical treatment. A doctor or nurse can properly assess the extent of the injuries, prevent infection, and speed up recovery. Once your child is safe, the next step you should take is speaking to an accident and injury lawyer. While it might seem excessive, there is no reason not to.
A lawyer experienced in dog bite cases can help by:
- Navigating liability laws: Determining whether the dog’s owner is liable based on state or local regulations.
- Collecting evidence: Gathering witness statements, medical records, and any prior complaints about the dog.
- Calculating damages: This includes not only medical bills but also emotional distress, counseling costs, and lost wages if a parent misses work.
- Handling insurance companies: Insurance providers may try to deny or minimize your claim, making legal representation essential.
Most injury attorneys offer free consultations. Even if you decide to proceed without their assistance, their initial insight and advice can be critical in bringing a successful resolution and ensuring your child’s needs are cared for.
Getting the Help You Need if a Dog Bites a Child
When a dog bites a child, there is a lot to consider, including answering the question if a dog bites a child, does it have to be put down The best way to take care of your child and answer the necessary questions is to speak to an experienced dog bite attorney. If your child has been bitten by a dog in Ohio or Kentucky, we’re here to help.
At The Richards Firm, we value justice with a family approach. Our first priority is always the needs of you and your children. We’re here to listen first, and once we have a proper understanding of your unique circumstances, guide you through the process however we can. With The Richards Firm, your initial consultation is always free, and you won’t owe anything unless we win your case.
As a firm founded by someone who loves dogs, we know how difficult dog bite situations can be. We can’t undo what’s been done, but we can help you reach a place where you and your child can move forward.
Click here to contact us today and schedule your free consultation.