In the state of Florida, what actions can be taken against a person who's negligence has allowed their pit bull to attack your child?

Asked by coogan (692

) March 11th, 2010

I’m asking on behalf of a friend, but a pit bull attacked his 11 year old son, requiring stitches in two sites, from the pictures sent, appearing to be the inner thigh and under his arm on the left side of his body. His child was on a trampoline and did not provoke the dog. The dog is the property of a neighbor of a family friend. Unfortunately, the owner is a woman who has very little, and apparently had her child taken away recently because she is unable to care for her. The dog was unrestrained, which I feel means she is either unable to care for the dog, or negligent. My friend wants her to pay for damages (his son’s stitches in the E.R.) and he wants the dog euthanized. Is this unreasonable, and how should he go about this? Also, the sheriff said the dog can’t be taken away if the owner has valid shot records.

Thanks everyone.

Observing members: 0

Composing members: 0

7 Answers

It’s pretty standard to kill a dog when it attacks a person. Once it tastes human blood putting it down is almost routine. Sad for the dog since it’s the owner who’s at fault.
The family friend should be thankful criminal charges weren’t filed and should probably get a lawyer.
That situation could’ve easily been much worse.
Very irresponsible pit owner.
Sure pits can be great dogs but in the ownership of the irresponsible, those dogs are time bombs.

Captain_Fantasy (11447

)“Great Answer” (2

) Flag as…

Contact your local Legal Aid- they can take it from there. If they want the woman to pay for the child’s bills, then most likely you’ll need a lawyer.

gemiwing (14718

)“Great Answer” (2

) Flag as…

If your friend has the cahonies, he can deal with the neighbor hisself.

davidbetterman (7560

)“Great Answer” (2

) Flag as…

http://www.alternet.org/story/59584/

Crossing the state line into Florida on I-75, one is greeted by a billboard reading, “Visitor Warning. Florida residents can use deadly force. Please be careful.” Erected by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, the sign is a reference to the fact that, for the last year and a half, Floridians have been allowed by law to shoot anyone they want.

Shae (2351

)“Great Answer” (3

) Flag as…

Dog known for its viciousness, 11 year old innocent boy…where is the human compassion. The owner of the dog should have already shot it. Why ask a federal or state agency funded by tax payer dollars to destroy your own property?

bummer (259

)“Great Answer” (2

) Flag as…