In Semmes, Alabama, a three-year-old toddler was bitten more than 50 times
by her neighbor’s three dogs. While full details are not clear yet, it
is known that all three dogs attacked the child so aggressively that
they hauled her off the ground and left her in need of over 160
stitches. The dog bite victim, Madisyn Shelton cannot sit up, but her doctors say there
is no sign of infection, and she seems to be on the road to recovery.
The attack has, understandably, outraged Madisyn's family and shocked the community. The family has acquired the services of an attorney to represent them in this matter. They are considering filing a civil suit against the dogs' owner, one James White.
The
attack was so violent that city officials are pursuing a statewide act
that has not yet been used. In short, the act allows people to request
that violent dogs be declared dangerous, allowing the state to seize
them to be euthanized. As for James White, a warrant has been issued
for his arrest, and he has not yet turned himself in.
Cases
such as this illustrate the difficulties inherent in pet ownership
within a community. Some owners feel their pets should have the freedom
to roam and exercise, which can clash with a level of community safety
that parents of small children naturally desire. The case also brings
up questions about the proper role of the state in property ownership
as well as an owner’s liability for a pet’s actions. There is no
evidence that White's dogs had any prior history of attacking anyone.
Yet the fact remains that they severely harmed this little girl with no
apparent provocation and remain potentially dangerous to neighbors or
other children that live nearby.
Madisyn
continues to recover at a children's hospital, and her family has
established a charity fund for anyone who wishes to help with the costs
of her recovery.
PERSONAL INJURY BLOG
Dog Bites Toddler
Tuesday, March 16, 2010