A pit bull attacked a young girl, who is reportedly 4 years old or 6 years
old, on March 10 while the event was captured on a surveillance video.
Bystanders intervened and came to the girl's aid as they pulled the
animal off the sobbing girl. Their quick action at the scene may have
saved the child from serious
dog bite injuries.
The girl was walking with her grandmother when the attack happened. She
was treated at a medical facility for minor bites. One witness indicated
the dog first tried to attack the child's face in what appeared to
be a random attack. The pit bull's owner has been cited for not following
leash laws, but the dog is with the owner.
The website DogBites.org indicates that 251 people died from dog bites
between 2005 and 2012. Of those deaths, 151 were attributed to pit bulls.
More than one fourth of all attacks in New York are attributed to pit
bulls. The city prohibits some types of dogs commonly viewed as dangerous,
including pit bulls, from public housing. One councilman said that the
dogs do not belong in small spaces.
The owner of the pit bull was cited with not following leash laws after
his dog attacked a young girl without apparent provocation. A personal
injury attorney may be able to help the family file a civil lawsuit for
compensation from the dog's owner. The girl suffered injuries, and
the family may have additional expenses related to the attack. In addition,
she might need mental health counseling in order to overcome the trauma
of this violent incident. People in New Jersey who have been attacked
by dogs may find it helpful to consult our personal injury attorneys who
may explain their rights and options and recommend courses of action.