SYLMAR, CA (June 30, 2022) – A 49-year-old woman was injured in a dog attack after two dogs mauled her for nearly 20 minutes according to NBC News.
Video footage from home surveillance cameras showed the dogs biting the woman from behind a gate in a yard where the dogs lived.
The woman suffered multiple puncture wounds and lacerations.
When police arrived, one officer shot at one of the dogs from about 30 feet away, hitting the dog in the torso. The second dog was taken away via animal services.
Neighbors reported that the victim may have been related to the person dog sitting the two dogs.
NBC gives an account of the report of one of the neighbors:
“I just think it’s a case of bad luck, bad circumstances, bad timing,” said Max Moran, a friend of the dog owner. “It’s horrible she got hurt like that. It’s bad that the dog had to get killed. It’s bad that policeman had to shoot the dog. There’s nothing good about this.”
Neighbors report seeing the dogs around the neighborhood and are confused as to why the dogs would have attacked the woman, which may indicate that this is the first time an incident like this has occurred with these dogs.
Liability in Sylmar dog bites and animal attacks
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States, with over 800,000 of those receiving medical attention. The CDC says at least half of those bitten are children.
- Almost 1 in 5 people bitten by dogs require medical attention.
- Children are the most common victims of dog bites and are far more likely to be severely injured.
- Most dog bites affecting young children occur during everyday activities and while interacting with familiar dogs.
Dogs can bite for numerous reasons, and it’s not necessarily the breed that determines whether they will attack. Instead, a dog’s individual history, training and behavior determine its risk for attacking someone.
Dogs almost always bite as a reaction to something, or as a defense. If a dog is in fear, stressed, defending its territory, or startled, it can bite.
Most dog bites can be avoided, but it’s also the responsibility of the owner to train and socialize their dogs correctly. If an owner knows that his or her dog has a history of attacking people, they must either give the dog more training and discipline, or limit its contact with others until it is better behaved.
Investigating a Sylmar dog bite or animal attack
We at West Coast Trial Lawyers extend our deepest sympathies to the Sylmar woman who was wrongfully attacked by these two dogs. We hope for a speedy recovery and that her case is thoroughly investigated.
Do you need more information about Sylmar dog bites or animal attacks? Our team of personal injury attorneys are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We’re happy to answer any questions or concerns you have with absolutely no commitment from you. Feel free to reach out at any time at (844) 966-0965.