Stafford Man Loses Part of Ear in Vicious Dog Attack

80-year-old Stafford Man Attacked by Neighbor’s Dog 3 Times

An elderly Stafford County, Virginia man was attacked by his neighbor’s Great Dane three times within a few weeks. The latest attack has left him without part of his right ear.

The victim was standing in his own yard making small talk with the dog owner when suddenly the Great Dane, on leash, bit him taking off a chunk of his right ear.  Not only did the dog bite off part of the victim’s ear, but reportedly also ate it. The 80-year-old man had to undergo reconstructive surgery and received 60 stitches. About a week before this incident, the same Great Dane bit the victim twice on his right arm.

Another resident in the neighborhood says that the dog’s owner often allows his dogs to walk with him off leash. The resident told Fox5DC that he will not walk out of is house without a gun for fear of being attacked by the dog.

At a civil hearing, the animal control officer recommended that the dog be deemed vicious. However, the judge ruled against him and declared the dog dangerous, ultimately sparing the dog’s life.

Vicious Dogs

In Virginia, a dog is declared a “vicious dog” when it has 1) killed a person, 2) inflicted serious injury to a person, or 3) continued to exhibit the behavior that resulted in a previous finding by a court or, by an animal control officer that it is a dangerous dog. When a dog is deemed vicious it must be humanely euthanized. In addition, if the dog’s owner was blatantly irresponsible in the control of the animal leading to an attack, they may be charged with a class 6 felony.

Dangerous Dogs

When a dog is deemed dangerous, the dog owner must register the animal as a “dangerous dog” and follow strict rules provided by the state. Such rules may include posting a dangerous dog sign, confining the dog indoors, and muzzling the dog when in public. Noncompliance may result in a misdemeanor to the dog’s owner. If the dog ‘s owner is irresponsible in the control of the animal resulting in bodily harm to a person, the dog’s owner may be charged with a class 6 felony.

We can only hope that the dog’s owner will comply with the dangerous dog requirements so no one else is attacked.

Virginia Dog Bite Lawyer

A dog bite is a devastating experience, especially when the victim is a small child. Victims of dog attacks face serious physical injuries, permanent scarring, and emotional trauma. Our Virginia dog bite lawyers represent innocent victims throughout Virginia — children, delivery drivers, postal workers, joggers, pedestrians, and anyone else attacked by a dog.

If you or a loved one has been attacked, contact our Virginia dog bite lawyers to discuss your situation. The no obligation consultation is free. If we agree to take on your case, you don’t owe us any legal fees unless we win. Contact us today at 877-544-5323.

 

 

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