After an attack, dangerous dogs shouldn\u2019t be able to hurt another victim. However, Mississippi doesn\u2019t have a state-wide statute about dangerous dogs, so deciding whether a dog should be put down depends on the individual situation and dog\u2019s history of aggression.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
In this blog, the Andy Citrin team outlines what happens to vicious dogs after an attack in Jackson County, and how Mississippi dog bite victims can protect themselves after an attack. Keep reading to learn more.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Compared to other states, Mississippi has unusual dog bite laws. First, there is no state-wide statute addressing dangerous or aggressive dogs. Mississippi relies on broad legal rules and court decisions in these claims. Second, we\u2019re one of the few states where the \u201cone bite\u201d rule applies. This rule says that owners are not financially responsible for their dog\u2019s aggressive or dangerous behaviors unless the dog has displayed dangerous tendencies in the past.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
However, our state\u2019s \u201cone bite\u201d rule does not mean that the dog must have actually attacked someone. Mississippi\u2019s Supreme Court addressed the \u201cone bite\u201d rule in its Poy v. Grayson <\/em>decision. In that case, a city worker tried to get compensation after a German shepherd bit him. According to the Court, a Mississippi dog bite victim must prove the following factors:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n In Poy<\/em>, the worker\u2019s claim failed because he did not prove these elements. However, if you can show that the dog had a history of growling, lunging, or other aggressive behavior, and the owner didn\u2019t take precautions, you may still have a dog bite claim in Mississippi.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Many communities, including both Jackson County and the City of Pascagoula, have created their own rules. If a dog bite occurs in a community with a dangerous animal ordinance, you\u2019ll need to follow its procedures.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Even the most loyal and well-behaved dogs can bite under certain circumstances. Understanding the common reasons behind dog bites can help prevent future incidents and clarify liability after an attack.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Dogs often bite when they feel that their food, toys, or favorite resting spot is being threatened. This behavior, known as resource guarding<\/em>, comes from a natural instinct to protect valuable possessions. Signs of resource guarding include stiff posture, growling, and snapping when someone gets too close to the object they\u2019re defending.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Sometimes, a dog may bite not out of direct aggression toward a person, but out of frustration or overstimulation. For example, two dogs may be fighting, and when someone tries to intervene, one of the dogs redirects its aggression toward the person trying to separate them. This type of bite is often sudden and unpredictable.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Dogs communicate primarily through body language. If humans miss warning signs\u2014such as growling, lip curling, or a stiff tail\u2014a dog may feel it has no choice but to bite to protect itself. Many bites occur because a dog\u2019s early signals of stress or discomfort go unnoticed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Just like a smoke alarm that doesn\u2019t alert you to danger, missing the \u201cwarning signs\u201d in a dog\u2019s body language can lead to disaster. When people ignore or misinterpret those signals, a dog\u2019s discomfort can escalate into defensive aggression. Keeping an eye on the \u201csmall signals\u201d is crucial to preventing bigger problems.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Whether or not a dog is euthanized after a bite depends on several factors, including the severity of the attack, the dog\u2019s history, and local animal control regulations. In Mississippi, because there is no uniform state-wide dangerous dog statute, decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Typically, Animal Control investigates the dog\u2019s history to determine whether the attack was provoked, whether the dog has shown past aggression, and whether the owner took appropriate precautions. Dogs with repeated attacks, unprovoked aggression, or severe injury to humans or other animals may be deemed too dangerous to remain in the community.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If Animal Control or a local court determines that a dog poses a continuing threat, euthanasia may be ordered. However, many cases result in lesser penalties\u2014such as requiring muzzling, confinement, or obedience training\u2014especially for first-time incidents.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n A dog bite can happen to anyone, but children are particularly vulnerable. If a dog bit you or someone you love in Pascagoula or Jackson County, Mississippi, here\u2019s what you need to do:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n You need to act quickly during a dog attack. Call 911 immediately and try to protect the victim (if possible). Next, seek medical care, even if it seems like a minor puncture wound. Dog bites are dangerous because of the damage a dog\u2019s teeth can inflict on the skin and soft tissues, but also because of the risk of infection. Dogs\u2019 mouths are home to over 600 types of bacteria, so it\u2019s important to get the wound properly cleaned and treated after an attack.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Getting the owner\u2019s contact information is critical after an attack. You\u2019ll need this information if you file a claim with their insurance company to learn if the dog is a known dangerous animal and if you decide to file a lawsuit later.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n What many dog bite victims don\u2019t realize is that they can play an active part in protecting their case and its value by preserving the evidence. You can do this by saving all of your medical records, taking photos of wounds, not washing bloody or torn clothes, and writing down everything you can remember about the attack. Bring this evidence to your lawyer to help them fight for you.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n In Jackson County, Animal Control keeps records of dangerous animals, regulates their care, and makes decisions about whether they should be put down after an attack. After an attack, Animal Control will investigate and decide whether the dog should be officially considered dangerous or not. If they are not already on record as a dangerous dog, the owners must take steps to ensure the dog will not attack anyone again. This includes making sure the dog is securely enclosed and is kept on a short leash and muzzle when not in their pen. If the owners fail, they face fines, and they could potentially lose ownership of the dog \u2014 which could be put down.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The City of Pascagoula has its own dog bite ordinance, but it is similar to Jackson County\u2019s laws in many ways. In Pascagoula, both Animal Control and the police can enforce its ordinances, and owners have a responsibility to care for their animals and protect the public from vicious dogs. If the City decides that a dog is vicious or dangerous, it will seize the dog and will not return it until the owner has taken precautions to protect the public. This typically includes warning signs, a child-proof, locked pen, and the use of a muzzle and leash when outside its pen. Under certain circumstances, the dog may be humanely euthanized.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n If a dangerous dog has hurt you, you shouldn\u2019t have to pay for your own medical bills. Having an experienced personal injury attorney can make a difference for many victims.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Dog bite ordinances vary across Mississippi, so if you have questions about your options after being attacked by a dangerous dog, contact a knowledgeable local dog bite lawyer<\/a> right away.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n RELATED: <\/strong>What to Do If You\u2019ve Been Bit by a Dog in Mississippi<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Recovering from a traumatic event is never easy. You may lose your peace of mind around dogs or animals, have to live with significant scarring, and need a lot of time to recover before going back to work. When you work with an experienced personal injury attorney, they can help you deal with medical bills, communications with the insurance company, and organization of evidence. Your lawyer can guide you through each step of the legal process and help make sure you aren\u2019t getting tricked into accepting a too-low settlement offer on your case.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, we understand firsthand how difficult it can be to recover from a severe accident or attack. When you\u2019ve been hurt by someone else\u2019s reckless dog ownership in Mississippi, you need an attorney who is ready to fight on your behalf as you heal. Learn more about your options and what your case could be worth in a free consultation with a member of our team. Schedule yours today by filling out our online form<\/a>\u00a0or calling our Pascagoula office at\u00a0228-888-8888<\/a>\u00a0today.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n References<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Article IV. Dangerous and Potentially Dangerous Dogs, Jackson County Code of Ordinances. Retrieved from https:\/\/library.municode.com\/ms\/jackson\/codes\/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH18AN_ARTIVDAPODADO<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
What Are the Most Common Reasons Why Dogs Bite?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Guarding Resources<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Redirection<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Owners Missed Signals<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Smoke Alarm Batteries Died<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
When Are Dogs Euthanized for Biting Someone Else?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
What to Do if You Were Bit By a Dog in Pascagoula or Jackson County, Mississippi<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
1. Call 911 and Get Medical Attention<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
2. Obtain the Owner\u2019s Contact Information<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
3. Preserve the Evidence<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
4. Contact Animal Control<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
5. Call an Experienced Mississippi Dog Bite Lawyer<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
How a Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help Victims Recover After an Attack<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
We Fight for Dog Bite Victims in Pascagoula and Throughout Mississippi<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n