Category: Dog Bites

San Diego personal injury lawyers know that this area is notorious for dog bite attacks. But now, thanks to San Diego County Animal Service officials, we know which San Diego zip codes have the most dog bite accidents.

The SD Animal Services department – which tracks dog bites closely – has released to NBC 7 news a list of zip codes where the most bites happened  between July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013.

Topping the list – 92113 – which encompasses areas like downtown, Barrio Logan and Logan Heights– with 113 reported incidents.

Another San Diego dog bite attack investigation is underway. Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a pit bull by a homeowner in the Valencia Park section of San Diego.

Police say the dog was shot Monday night in the 5800 block of Duluth Avenue.  The pit bull allegedly attacked a man and his husky while they were outside. According to police, the dog attack prompted the man to into his house and get a gun. The man then attack the pit bull with the butt of the gun, but when the dog would not retreat – he opened fire, killing it.

San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a deadly dog mauling in Fallbrook. Officials believe eight large dogs attacked and killed a woman who was taking care of them.

The woman’s body was found in the 1300 block of Calle Tecolotlan around 5:15 p.m. When deputies arrived at the scene, they discovered eight Old English bulldogs running loose in the backyard near where the woman’s body was found. Officials say the woman had injuries that appeared to be consistent with dog bites.

A relative of the 30-year-old deceased woman found the body in the 1300-block of Calle Tecolotlan around 5:15 p.m. Sunday and called police, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

It’s no secret that mail carriers are the most vulnerable to dog attacks. In fact, mail carriers in San Diego are at the highest risk because,  according to the U.S. Postal Service, the area ranks No. 2 on its list of Top 25 Worst Cities for Dog Attacks against U.S. Postal Workers.

When Do these Attacks Occur?

Most of the attacks occur when letter carriers deliver mail to a house with an outdoor dog. While they usually carry around a pepper spray to keep vicious dogs at bay, it is not always enough to prevent injuries. Their mail satchel can also be used to defend against dogs.

Postal Workers Have Rights

Postal workers can refuse to deliver mail to a house where the dogs are not secured properly – especially if the dog is large and aggressive. If and when an attack occurs, the victim can file a lawsuit against the dog owner.

On the heels of the tragic news of an 8-month-old infant killed in a San Diego dog attack early this summer, it should be noted that the San Diego area, in general, is now notorious for dog-related attacks. This is according to the U.S. Postal Service, which says San Diego ranks No. 2 on its list of Top 25 Worst Cities for Dog Attacks against U.S. Postal Workers.

This is the second time San Diego has claimed this dubious title.

Officials say there were 45 dog bites on postal workers countywide and 5,669 dog bites suffered by postal workers nationwide. San Diego maintained its number two spot for city suffering the most postal worker dog attacks with at least 68 suffered county-wide.

A recent increase in fatal dog attacks in California has initiated some counties to examine mandatory neutering of pit bulls and other aggressive dog breeds. According to MercuryNews.com, a 2-year-old boy was killed on July 31 after being attacked in his home by the family’s shepherd-mix. Another 2-year-old boy was killed in Concord from a fatal mauling and in a separate dog bite accident, a man’s three pit bulls killed his stepson.

While some dog bite attacks in San Diego and throughout California are quickly attributed to a dog’s breed, when many of these accidents are looked into more closely, liability can fall upon the dog owner. Dog training, socialization, and other responsibilities of a dog owner can play a significant role in preventing dog attacks and bite injuries. How a dog is raised and socialized can greatly influence its behavior and how it interacts with humans.