Some dog breeds have a reputation for being aggressive. Over the years, pit bulls, rottweilers and Doberman pinschers have become banned by cities across the country because of their tendencies to attack people. However, in 2013, Connecticut lawmakers stopped cities from passing breed-specific laws.
Why breed-specific bans are on the decline
At the time, animal rights advocates argued laws banning specific breeds from some cities were unfair. That with an owner who trained a pit bull or rottweiler well, the dog wouldn’t be dangerous and attack people unprovoked. That viewpoint is becoming more common. On Nov. 3, Denver residents overwhelmingly voted to repeal the city’s pit bull ban. Now, pit bull owners in the Mile High City can get a special license to own a pit bull and only can have two pit bulls in one household.
When dogs attack violently
On the other hand, Connecticut has seen two violent dog attacks in the last 12 months. On Oct. 20, a law enforcement officer in Enfield shot and killed a pit bull after it attacked a woman. The officer shot at the dog because it was attacking the woman’s neck and dragging her. The dog also bit the woman’s foot, leaving severe lacerations and tissue damage.
Last year, a 95-year-old Enfield woman died after a pit bull attacked her while she was visiting a friend. She suffered massive injuries, including flesh and muscle loss, in the attack.
When a dog bites or attacks you or your child, the dog’s owner can be held liable for any injury costs. You should contact a personal injury attorney if you suffered injuries because of a dog attack and need to get your medical costs covered.