Can a dog get put down for biting another dog?

In California, following a dog bite, euthanasia may be required if the dog has rabies, has bit at least two people, has seriously injured someone, or was raised to fight or attack people.

Before a dog is put to sleep, a hearing is necessary unless it has rabies. The purpose of this hearing is to decide if the dog poses a risk to public safety. Anyone can petition a court to initiate the hearing process. At this hearing, the dog owner may present evidence to support their pet. The dog may be put down if the court determines it poses a risk to public safety.

My Dog Attacked Another Dog, What is Going to Happen?

Negligence is the first thing an accident attorney looks at in this case. When a dog causes injury to another dog, the negligent dog owner has breached their duty of care. This means that they are liable for the dog’s injuries and any other resulting damages.

Damages for a dog attacking another dog include payment for medical expenses, prescription drugs, boarding costs while the dog is recovering, etc.

In some fatal dog attack cases, additional damages might also include the dog’s replacement cost. Unfortunately, when someone loses their dog in an animal attack, liability does not extend to their mental anguish or emotional distress.

What Happens When Your Dog Bites Someone?

Although local laws and procedures differ, dog bites are generally handled similarly across the US.

The sequence of events that occur after a bite will typically follow this fundamental pattern:

Someone will report the bite. Dog bites should be reported to the local health department — it may even be legally required in some locations. If the injured person was treated at a doctor’s office, urgent care, or hospital, this is usually done by the medical staff. It is probably a good idea to speak to an attorney before reporting the bite yourself, but ultimately, the bite needs to be reported.

The dog’s rabies vaccination status will be verified. A public health official will reach out to you (or your vet) for proof of your dog’s up-to-date rabies vaccination. If this cannot be obtained, your dog will be seized and placed into a mandatory quarantine period to be observed for signs of rabies, typically at a local animal shelter.

Your dog may be confiscated and impounded. In some cases, your dog may be confiscated by reporting authorities until an investigation can be completed. The more severe the bite was, the more likely your dog will be (at least temporarily) confiscated.

An investigation may take place. Local authorities may investigate the incident if the bite caused severe bodily harm or occurred during the commission of a crime. During this time, they will determine what (if any) criminal charges are warranted and if special actions are needed, such as designating that your pet is a dangerous dog.

A judge or other authority will make a determination regarding your dog’s future. Once the investigation is completed, local officials will decide the most appropriate outcome. This may include fines, criminal charges, loss of ownership, or euthanasia.

After this, civil action may take place, which essentially means that the victim may sue you in court to recover damages.

Most dog bite incidents don’t require more than the first two steps, but it’s always a good idea to speak with a lawyer to understand the legal system. Additionally, it’s a good idea to note the specifics of the incident and, if necessary, locate witnesses.

Can Dogs Be Traumatised After a Dog Attack?

Yes, dogs may suffer trauma from attacks from another dog. The trauma they endured as a result of the dog attack may leave the dog with physical scarring in addition to the wounds they are currently receiving. You must look to see how the animal is behaving. Your pet may experience a range of emotions right after being attacked by a dog, and you might notice your pet trembling as a result of the body’s increased adrenaline flow. The dog may also urinate or defecate.

A traumatized animal’s behavior may change for some time after the dog attack, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ll suddenly turn aggressive. You should be ready to observe numerous changes in your animal’s behavior and mood. Additionally, they might not want to eat, drink, or go outside. As a result of the dog attack by another dog, they might experience stress and depression.

FAQ

Should a dog be put down for biting another dog?

If a dog has a history of biting, it’s crucial to record the frequency and severity of those incidents. In general, the more severe or frequent the bites, the more likely it is that you will have to think about euthanizing your dog.

What should I do if my dog bites another dog?

As soon as possible, take it to the veterinarian for a checkup because a dog’s fur may hide some wounds, particularly minor puncture wounds. Without proper care, any bite could become infected or develop into a more serious condition. Additionally, the dog might have life-threatening internal injuries.

Why do dogs have to be put down after biting someone?

Depending on the severity of the bite and your dog’s past, authorities may classify your dog as a “dangerous dog.” If your dog is deemed dangerous, the injury was severe, or a death occurred, the law might require that it be put down. You might be charged with a crime, receive a fine, or both.