A dog that is deemed “vicious” has been given this designation by animal control authorities. In San Antonio, a dangerous dog is one that commits an unprovoked attack on a person that causes bodily injury. Recognizing the signs of a vicious dog can help you take action to prevent an attack. If you were injured, make sure to speak with a Fort Worth dog bite lawyer for legal guidance.
Prior Dog Bite Incidents
The official “dangerous dog” designation can arise if a dog has a history of prior attacks or bite incidents involving humans. If reports concerning the same dog have already been received by local animal control authorities, a second or subsequent incident could lead to the dog being viewed as dangerous or aggressive.
Severe Injuries From Bites
A dog that has inflicted severe injuries with its bite can be considered vicious. Certain breeds are more likely to deliver severe and fatal bites. Statistics gathered over a 15-year period found that pit bulls were responsible for 66.4 percent of dog breeds involved in human fatalities. Other breeds known for potentially fatal bites include Rottweilers and German Shepherds.
Attacks on Domestic Animals
Even if a dog has never attacked or injured a human, it could be considered vicious if it has seriously injured or killed a domestic animal. This includes cats and other dogs.
A Dog Listed in the Registry
The City of San Antonio has an online registry of known dangerous dogs. Residents can see exactly where dogs that have legally been deemed dangerous, aggressive or vicious are currently located in the city.
Repeated Aggression
A single dog bite incident in a pet’s history may point to an unusual one-time reaction, such as fear or anxiety that triggered the incident. Repeated fits of aggression, on the other hand, can be a sign of a vicious dog. Consistently aggressive behaviors toward humans or other animals could point to a dog that was not properly trained or socialized.
Difficult to Control
Pet owners in Texas are expected to leash-curb their dogs in public places. In permitted off-leash areas such as dog parks, pets must be under voice command control. If an owner struggles to control a dog, the animal may be dangerous.
Growling or Snarling
When encountering a dog, its body language can often be used to determine if the dog is likely to attack, bite or behave aggressively. One telltale sign is if the dog is growling or snarling. Bearing of the teeth, drooling or jaw gnashing can also point to a potentially vicious dog.
Stiff Body Posture
While body posture isn’t everything, as a dog that appears relaxed may suddenly snap, if a strange dog approaches you with a stiff or rigid body, this is a sign that the dog is preparing to attack. Try to keep your own body in a neutral position to show the dog that you are not a threat. Then, back slowly away.
Raised Hackles
If a dog’s hackles are raised, meaning the fur along the back of its neck or spine is standing up, this means the dog is uncomfortable, feels threatened or could be preparing for an attack. Do not attempt to pet or touch a dog that has its hackles raised.
Avoiding Eye Contact
A dog may be dangerous if it avoids eye contact with you and shows you the whites of its eyes. This can mean the dog is stressed, uncomfortable or perceives you as a threat. Avoid eye contact with the dog as you slowly back away toward safety.
Attacked By a Vicious Dog? Get Legal Help
If you get bitten by a dog in Texas, contact the personal injury lawyers in San Antonio at Hill Law Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. We can help you seek fair financial compensation, whether or not the dog has already been deemed “dangerous” or “vicious” by the county.