Xavier is my little pug mix dog. He is only a little over
two feet tall and weighs about 40 pounds. I think his teeth look like mice
teeth, but this little dude is fully capable of biting someone. He is a high
energy, very excitable dog and is very protective of me, my other dogs, and
even the cat. He loves any dog he meets on the street but is fearful of people
he does not know. I love him to pieces, but I know he scares people when he
barks and bares his little mice teeth.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports that
there are an estimated 70 million dogs living in the United States and that more
than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year. According to a report from State Farm Insurance, Michigan ranks sixth nationally in dog bite claims.
There have been several particularly disturbing incidents involving
biting dogs in the last year. A husband and wife were sentenced
to 57 months to 15 years after their two cane corsos (large mastiff-type dogs)
killed a jogger in Lapeer County. They pleaded guilty to owning a dangerous
animal causing death. In Detroit, a $100 million settlement was reached for the
victim of a dog mauling. The dogs’ owner in this case was also charged with the
crime of owning dangerous animals causing injury.
MCL
287.351 makes dog owners strictly liable for dog bites. It is also a crime
to own a dangerous animal causing death or injury. MCL
287.323. A dog is dangerous if it bites or attacks a person or bites or
attacks and causes serious injury or death to another dog. Exceptions are made
for trespass, provocation, or if the animal is trying to protect a person under
certain circumstances. MCL
287.321.
These tragic cases highlight the importance of being a
responsible dog owner. My little pug mix is the best trained of any dog I have
ever owned. The backyard is securely fenced and routinely checked to make sure
it remains secure. He is always on a leash or shut into another room or the
backyard when someone comes into my home. Common sense and Michigan law make it
clear that it is my responsibility to the community as well as to my dog to
take whatever steps are necessary to prevent a bite. Check out the AVMA’s
resources on preventing dog bites.