Four people suffered multiple dog bites when they were attacked by two pit bull dogs Tuesday morning. The attack occurred in the south Linden area of Northeast Columbus.
According to Columbus police, a woman and her elderly mother were attacked about 8:30 a.m. while they walked to their car from their Leona Avenue home. A person who was driving by the home witnessed the attack and attempted to help the victims. The passerby was then also attacked by the pit bulls.
The brother of the passerby was nearby. He also came to the aid of the people who were being attacked. He, too, became a victim in the attack.
Responding Columbus police officers tried to stop the attack and get the dogs off the man. The dogs then charged the police officers. At that point, the Columbus police officers shot and killed both animals.
All four victims suffered multiple dog bites. Fortunately, their injuries were minor and not life threatening.
Columbus Police are investigating the attack and seeking information on the identity of the owners of the dogs.
The Centers for Disease Control estimates that approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year. The liability of a dog owner for a dog varies considerably from state to state. In some cases, the dog owner is liable for any unprovoked attack, regardless of any other circumstance. Some states impose liability on the dog owner only if the bite victim can establish that the dog owner had knowledge that the dog was dangerous orthat the owner was careless in controlling the dog.
If you or a loved one have suffered injury as a result of a dog bite, contact the experienced dog bite attorneys at Clark, Perdue & List.