Personal injury is an area of law that protects people from injury caused by the negligence, malpractice or intentional act of wrongdoing of other people. In Canada, common personal injury cases are car accidents, slip and fall, medical malpractice, dog bites, and many more.
It is estimated thousands of people are reported to be victims of dog bites every year. The majority of these cases involve children under the age of 10. In Ontario, the Dog Owners’ Liability Act (DOLA) was introduced to protect the victims of dog bites.
The Dangerous Dog Act in Alberta was passed and became a law also to provide the same protection to the victims of dog bites in the said province, similar to the DOLA of Ontario.
Understanding the Dangerous Dogs Act in Alberta
Dog owners have a legal responsibility to keep their dogs under proper control. If they don’t, they may be liable for damages and their dogs may be ordered destroyed.
The Dangerous Dogs Act in Alberta has three important clauses that specify the grounds of considering dogs as dangerous and the liabilities of the dog’s owner. The said legislation gives the courts the authority to order a dog destroyed if it’s deemed to be dangerous.
Complaint as to bite
A complaint may be filed against the owner of the dog if it has bitten or attempted to bite a person or domestic animal.
Complaint as to dangerous dog
A dog’s owner may be held liable if the dog is deemed dangerous and not kept under proper control. The court can order or direct the ways as to how the dog should be kept by the owner or to be destroyed.
Failure to comply with an order will be considered guilty of this offence. They will be required to pay not more than $5 for each day during which the owner fails to comply with the order.
Presumption of ownership
The person living in the house where the dog was kept at the time of a complaint is assumed to be the owner of the dog unless they have proven it otherwise.
Duties and Responsibilities of Dog Owners
Owning a dog entails responsibility. Providing its needs to keep it healthy and happy is essential. This prevents dog-related disputes with neighbours or anyone in society from happening.
The government of Alberta has implemented laws with terms related to owning dogs to which all dog owners should comply. It is crucial for people to understand the dog owner’s liability to keep everyone safe from the injuries caused by violent dogs.
The Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw in Alberta requires dog owners to do the following:
- All dogs must have a city license as soon as they reach three months of age, and it should be worn at all times.
- Dogs should be on a leash at all times. It is even on a property where the owner has the right of occupation.
- No dogs are to be left unattended while tethered.
- Dogs can only be transported in a specific manner. It includes the back of a truck in an enclosed trailer, a truck bed covered with a topper, or a ventilated kennel secured to a truck bed.
- Feces of dogs must be picked up by dog owners by suitable means.
- Feces produced by dogs both on and off the property of the dog owner must be picked up.
- Dogs should be under control in areas designated as off-leash.
Dog owners should also ensure that their dog does not:
- Bite anyone
- Injure anyone
- Chase, threaten or attack a person or any other animal
- Bark, howl or disturb anyone at odd times
- Cause damage to property or other animals
- Scatter garbage at the owner’s or someone else’s property.
Victim of a Dog Bite? Here’s What You Need to Do
When bitten by a dangerous dog, make sure to apply the necessary first aid to prevent complications and seek medical assistance immediately. The next important step is to consult a good dog bite lawyer who can guide you through the whole process of filing an injury compensation from the owner of the dog. You need to hire a lawyer who knows dog-bite related laws should you wish to proceed with the dog bite lawsuit.
A reliable dog bite lawyer knows how to deal with cases related to dog bites. Get in touch with a dog bite lawyer who has the experience and proven track record in handling and managing dog bite cases. Your chances of winning the dog bite lawsuit increase when you have done the crucial part of hiring the best lawyer near you. You will also get the maximum amount of compensation due towards you under the law if you can handle your situation correctly.
The law related to dog bites is clear and straightforward. Such cases are handled strictly by the courts throughout Alberta, Canada, with the maximum punishment possible. While there are multiple factors to consider involving dog bite lawsuits, a trusted dog bite lawyer can assist you in determining the amount of compensation you can get under the provision of law.
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Things You Shouldn’t Do Around Dogs
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Don’t put your dog on a retractable leash.
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Veterinarians do not recommend putting dogs on a retractable leash. As they explained, this type of lease causes friction burns in case it gets twisted in your hand.
There are a lot of retractable leashes which extend up to 10 feet or more and are made out of thinner cord. Such leases can lead to severe lacerations and amputations when used as an attempt to stop the dog from running.
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Don’t use antibiotic medication for humans on your dog.
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Antibiotics meant for humans should never be applied to your dogs. Likewise, medications formulated for people, even topical ones, are not necessarily safe for use on pets.
Don’t administer neomycin, a common ingredient in antibiotic ointments, or any other antibiotic ointment topically to your dog without first consulting your veterinarian.
Immediately visit your veterinarian if you notice something wrong in your dogs. Just like humans, do not try to self-medicate your dogs to avoid complications.
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Don’t give your dogs alcoholic drinks.
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Some drinks that are meant for humans are poisonous for dogs. Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression and other complications. Alcohol intoxication in dogs can cause organ failures and death.
In case the dog has ingested alcohol, seek immediately your veterinarian’s help. Monitor the symptoms it shows. If your dog will be brought to a canine medical facility, most likely it will be given an intravenous drip to help hydrate them.
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Schedule a consultation with our dog bite personal injury lawyer from Diamond and Diamond if you or someone you know has already been injured by a dog bite attack.
Being bitten by a dog is in itself stressful to handle. So dealing with a dog bite case is as complicated. If a violent dog has bitten you or someone you know, you should contact a