When Dog (or Cat) Bites Man

The prosecution of 22-year-old Brooklynite Andre Robinson, who cruelly kicked a trusting young cat and stupidly posted a video of the act on Facebook, is indicative of our evolving attitude towards animal cruelty. Before the 19th and 20th century, the idea that it was morally wrong to mistreat animals, even pets, was anything but a given and legal sanctions were almost unheard of until relatively recently.

Still, for all our focus on the need to protect animals from mistreatment and our love of our pets, we forget that there are times when pets can actually mistreat humans. While serious cat bites cases are relatively unusual -- most feline's jaws are simply too small to render the kind of injuries that can make it to a major court trial with any regularity -- dog bites are a major area of premises liability -- and for very good reason. Dog bites can be similar to slip-and-fall in terms of their dangerousness and their frequency.

While it might be tempting to make light of dog bites, they can be extremely serious. If children or infants are involved, the threat is obvious but even a healthy, full grown man or woman can endure seriously disfiguring and even debilitating injuries if a dog should go out of control. Of course, any type of animal can be a potential risk. In other words, if you're a pet owner, it's important not to let your love for your adorable cat, dog, parrot or any other creature blind you to the possibility that a guest could possibly be endangered. Pets and unfamiliar people can be a dangerous combination.

Of course, if you are of the victim of an injury received in someone else's home and negligence is an issue, the Law Offices of Burg and Brock are here to help. Whether the matter is dog bites, slip and falls, or swimming pool accidents, give us a call.