Police in Alton, Illinois forced to kill aggressive pit bull
Alton police were forced to kill a pit bull that became threatening Sunday afternoon, according to a St. Louis Post Dispatch report. Officers also wounded a second dog, that was later euthanized, and deployed a Taser on a third.
Police were investigating the home of Jason Edwards, 22. He was keeping more than three dogs, which was the limit allowed by a city ordinance. He also violated several other ordinances including failing to obtain licenses for the pit bulls.
The report says that police may pursue charges against Edwards for these numerous violations.
The reason police take these charges so seriously is that pit bulls can be extremely dangerous animals. 800,000 people are treated for dog bites in the United States and about 20 die every year. Nearly two thirds of dog bite victims are children. Pit bulls are considered to be one of the most dangerous dog breeds and are commonly used in illegal dog fighting rings.
Because of these dangers, many places have enacted legislation to limit certain breeds, such as pit bulls, and reduce the number of animal attack injuries. Alton, for instance, only allows an owner to keep three dogs and Illinois state law prohibits convicted felons from owning vicious animals.
Owners of dangerous animals may be held strictly liable if one of their animals causes a serious personal injury. This means the fact one of their animals caused an injury is enough to show liability. The owner doesn't have to be negligent to be held responsible.
If you or someone you know has been injured by a dangerous animal that was not properly restrained by its owner, you should contact a skilled personal injury lawyer to discuss whether you can recover damages to pay for medical expenses caused by the attack.
