Loose Pit Bulls Kill Dog and Injures Woman in Northern California

Jordan Simmons was injured and her Jack Russell terrier pug mix was killed in a dog attack as they walked on a regional trail in Graton in Sonoma County. According to a KRON news report, Simmons said two loose pit bulls approached them on the trail and appeared to be friendly at first, but their behavior changed quickly. Simmons scooped up her dog, Lucy, as the pit bulls circled, barked and nipped at them.

Pretty soon, they began to bite her, leaving scratches and bruises on her. They eventually were able to grab her 12-pound dog and maul her to death. Simmons said she’d had Lucy for more than seven years and the dog had been her faithful companion and “best friend.” Simmons said the pit bulls ran off and were later captured by animal control officials. They are in quarantine. “The trail is a place where people should feel safe and a lot of people won’t feel safe if the dogs are released to their owners”, Simmons says.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Simmons for her tremendous loss. We wish her a speedy recovery from her dog bite injuries.

Dog Bite Laws in California

California has a strict liability statute when it comes to dog attacks. This means that dog owners in this state can be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses caused by their pets. California’s Civil Code Section 3342 states: “The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.”

Liability Issues

Injured victims of dog attacks can seek compensation from the dog owner for damages including but not limited to medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitative treatment, cosmetic procedures to repair scars, permanent injuries, disfigurement and pain and suffering. In many cases, dogs are covered under the owner’s insurance policy.

Dog owners who have lost their pets in dog attacks can also seek compensation for their tremendous loss. If dogs are injured in a dog attack, owners may seek compensation for damages including vet bills, surgery, medication, etc. An experienced California dog bite lawyer will be able to advise victims in such cases regarding their legal rights and options.

Source: https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/loose-pit-bulls-attack-woman-kill-her-dog-in-sonoma-county/