Baby Attacked by Rescue Dog, Parents to Sue Shelter

A 15-month-old attacked by a pit bull this month will likely suffer life-long complications as a result of the incident. The Iowa accident occurred when a family adopted a dog from a shelter’s “death row” – a list of animals due to be euthanized if they’re not adopted. Two hours after bringing the dog home, he bit a 15-month-old toddler who was visiting the family home. Doctors say the boy faces permanent damage.

Though the dog was given aggression tests by the Humane Society, these tests are imperfect. Even the most docile dog can become annoyed or triggered and lash out in a violent way. Rescue dogs often have mysterious histories – it’s impossible to know 100 percent of an animal’s background. The dog in question may have been involved in dog fighting rings, some reports suspect. The fact that the dog was not spayed before being adopted out is highly controversial – most shelters require the procedure. Some argue that the dog was sold as a boxer-Labrador mix, when it may indeed be a pit bull.

Police say they have cited the owners of the dog. The parents of the victim have filed two lawsuits – one against the owners of the dog and one against the Humane Society. They’re looking for compensation for the medical bills racked up in the days and weeks following the attack – and potentially for years to come.

This tragic incident only highlights the danger of adopting a dog whose background is unknown. Take care around pets who have been recently adopted from a shelter – you simply never know what might be lurking in their history.

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If you’ve been attacked by someone else’s dog, it is important that you collect as much evidence as possible. The Virginia dog bite lawyers at the Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC understand the need for an immediate investigation because proof is essential in obtaining the highest possible settlement or verdict for your case. If you’d like to speak with our Virginia dog bite lawyers, contact us for a free consultation 877-544-5323.