Owning a large animal comes with a heavy amount of responsibility, especially, when the animal is used for protection. Owners of large animals in New Jersey have a responsibility to keep potentially violent animals away from the general population. A dog bite by a large dog, like a Great Pyrenees, can lead to a significant injury. It could lead to a long hospital stay or significant injuries.
In Pennsylvania, a Great Pyrenees guard dog bit a local deputy sheriff as he was delivering documents for a civil case. The deputy entered the property to serve a summons and was attacked by the dog that bit him repeatedly. The county sheriff is planning to issue a criminal citation for the owner of the 100-plus pound animal for failure to maintain control over the guard dog. The man drove himself to the hospital, was treated for puncture wounds and given antibiotics for recovery.
If a large animal attacks, an owner is responsible for their actions. People have a responsibility and liability for damage, trauma and pain that an animal can cause. Liability can increase if the owner was negligent with their animal, including not having a large dog on a leash or failing to comply with vaccinations. If an attack occurs on the property of the pet owner, the victim may be able to receive compensation through a homeowners’ insurance policy.
A large dog, like a Great Pyrenees, can do a lot of damage in a matter of seconds. Large animals with sharp teeth can cause scarring and permanent disfigurement. In New Jersey, pet owners have a responsibility to their local community to take care of their animals. If a person has a large animal, they have to adhere to standards to keep people, the community and neighborhood safe.
Source: Daily Times News, “Dog attacks Chesco sheriff’s deputy; owner to be cited,” Michael Rellahan, April 4, 2014
