The cyclist was riding near Rio Grande Street in an area known as the “green belt.” The dog, which was leashed and being walked by a woman, bit the cyclist as she pedaled by. She attempted to ask the owner her name but got no response, and the owner simply took the dog and walked away from the scene.
The owner is described as a woman of about 30 who is 5 feet 7 inches tall with short, dark hair and a medium build. She was accompanied by a child of about five who had her hair in pigtails. Both females were walking mixed-breed terrier dogs with tan markings.
A girl with the woman had a second, similar dog on a leash. The girl, about five years old, had her hair in pigtails.
The victim is facing rabies treatment if the dog cannot be identified. Anyone with information about the dog or its owner is asked to contact the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office.
My sincere wishes for a speedy recover go out to the victim of this accident.
Dog Ownership Responsibilities Under California Law
California has very strict laws regarding owner responsibility for dog behavior. Simply put, every dog owner is responsible for the behavior of his or her animal, whether the animal is running loose or contained in a fence or tethered by a leash. The fact that an owner has the dog restrained does not exempt the owner from liability if the dog attacks someone.
Dog bites are taken seriously in California because of the health and safety issues. Owners can be fined and animals can be confiscated if the owners do not keep them under control at all times.
Liability Issues with Dog Bites
There is no doubt that dogs make wonderful companions and pets, but their bites can also cause terrible personal injuries. Not only do dog bites break the skin, allowing bacteria and germs to infect the victim, but they can also rend and tear with their sharp teeth, making a wound very difficult to close without plastic surgery or other extreme measures. Further, dog bites often produce very tragic and debilitating psychological fear and anxiety.
Owners are liable for all damages caused by their dogs, including mental suffering and physical trauma. Victims may be able to collect medical costs associated with reconstructive surgery and hospital stays, payments for psychological anguish, and money for increased living expenses during recuperation.
No matter how severe your dog bite, it is wise to consult a Sacramento dog bite attorney. With the help of a professional personal injury lawyer, you can fight for your rights and ensure that you recover the payments you need to treat your dog bite injuries properly and make a full recovery from the trauma you have experienced.
