How Incidents of Dog Bites Have Risen With COVID-19
Since COVID, it seems that more of us are finding new and unique ways to get out of the house. For many people, this has resulted in walking the dog more than ever before or encountering others and their dogs. More deliveries mean more delivery people encountering and often fending off the household dog. Children at home means added stressors for both the children and the household canine.
Stressors Affect People and Their Dogs
The Journal of Pediatrics published an article in October of 2020 stating that since the shelter-in-place directives have gone into place, there has been “an almost 3-fold increase in rates of visits to the pediatric ED because of dog bites” in one hospital alone. According to the authors of the article, “dogs may be experiencing ‘emotional contagion’ — a state in which companion dogs mirror the emotions and stress levels of their human caretakers.”
Dog bites are not frivolous injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control, they disproportionately affect children and the elderly and cause a myriad of health consequences, not to mention devastating injuries.
The Liability of the Dog Owner
Although a dog bite is unintended, in most cases, it is critical that people understand their unpredictable nature, particularly in stressful situations. This is why we have leash and muzzle laws here in Ontario. Regardless of the fairness of it, we also have regulations of “dangerous breeds.”
The Dog Owners’ Liability Act clarifies the dog owner’s liability for any injuries or damages caused by a dog bite or attack on another person or another domestic animal. Unlike some other jurisdictions, the liability does not require that the owner have any previous knowledge of the dog’s propensity to bite or attack, or what is commonly called “the one bite rule.”
Consequently, unless the owner can prove their dog was provoked or there was other negligence involved, he or she is completely responsible for the damages caused by their dog.
If you have suffered an injury due to a dog bite or you need clarification of your liability as a dog owner, contact our Ontario personal injury lawyers at Hilborn & Konduros Law Firm to understand your legal rights. (519) 658-6341
