Supervision of Pets Requisite in Florida and Almost All Other States

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on January 12, 2010

In Florida, dogs and other pets require supervision outside of the home. Animals are now allowed to roam without supervision in Florida and most other states. Thus far in 2009, there have been 21 fatal dog attacks across the country, and 11 of them have involved pit bulls or pit bull mixes.

It is unfortunate that pit bulls are singled out, but this breed of dog is responsible for more than half of all fatal dog attacks in the United States. From 2006 through 2008, pit bulls caused 59 percent of all fatal dog attacks and killed 52 people in the U.S. An example of the dangerous nature of this breed of dog occurred not long ago when a 70-year-old Monroe County man was critically injured when he was attacked by at least four dogs near his Lindside home. Monroe Sheriff Michael Gravely said the dogs were “all of the pit bull breed.”

While pit bulls are renowned for their strength and aggressiveness, ultimately, responsibility for a pet’s behavior lies with the owner.

“It takes both nature and nurture to make a bully,” said Clive Wynne, a psychologist at the University of Florida.

Some people do their animal and their neighbors a huge disservice by encouraging aggressive behavior in their animal that often leads to accidental, but very serious consequences and sometimes tragedy. They willfully create four-legged bullies that put everyone in their area at risk for animal attack. No matter if the owner lives in a sparsely populated rural area or a large urban area like Orlando, it is an animal owner’s responsibility to supervise their animal at all times.

Orlando dog bite lawyer James O. Cunningham has been helping the victims of dog bites and other animal attacks since 1977 and is a strong advocate for victims’ rights. If someone is injured in a dog bite attack, he can help the recovery of financial compensation for medical expenses and other costs related to the attack. He offers free consultations and works on a contingency-fee basis, which means that a client is never charged for his services unless he makes a financial recovery on their behalf. If you or someone you care for has been injured in an animal attack, call Orlando dog bite attorney James O. Cunningham today and schedule a free consultation.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.