Pit Bulls Attack and Kill a Pomeranian in Hampton

Dangerous dogs running off leash are an ongoing problem in Hampton Roads cities such as Norfolk, Hampton and Virginia Beach. In some cases the victim is another dog. Frequently it is a child or an adult.

I was disturbed to read about another pig bull attack – this time in Hampton. WAVY.com reported on how animal control officers put three pit bulls under quarantine after they reportedly attacked and killed a Pomeranian on Friday morning.

The officers called out to the 100 block of West Kelly Avenue in Hampton to track down three loose pit bulls. The report stated the owner of the Pomeranian was walking down W. Kelly Avenue around 7:40 a.m. when the pit bulls attacked the smaller dog. Animal Control tracked down all three dogs; two were still running around loose and the third went back to its home, according to Sgt. Jason Price with the Hampton Police Division.

The owner of the Pomeranian was not injured in the attack, but the dog did not survive. Pit bulls account for more than 50 percent of all dangerous dog attacks. It’s heartbreaking when irresponsible owners leave their dogs loose on the streets to attack. Last year a pit bull attacked a 6-year-old girl in Newport News.

When a dog attacks its owner can be liable for injuries caused to people. Recently, the Virginian-Pilot reported on how Norfolk’s pet confinement laws mean it is illegal for dogs and cats to be off-lead outside their owner’s property.

Rob Blizzard, the author of the article, wrote about how the law subjects dog owners to criminal and/or civil remedies for violation, if the dog harms and human or another dog. The author pointed out Norfolk has a network of dog parks where the animals can run free.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a dangerous dog, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit. Call Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers at 757.455.0077 or see CooperHurley.com.