The citizens of Ohio may be surprised to learn that dog bites are a much more potent threat than they realize. For starters, dog bites affect 4.7 million Americans annually, the majority of whom tend to be children and old people. As a matter of fact, according to the Department of Health, there were more than 14,000 serious dog bites in the state of Ohio alone during the year 2017, and there were 22 fatalities.
Fortunately, dog owners can do a lot to keep their beloved pets from harming other innocent individuals. First of all, they should not allow their dogs to roam free; instead, they should keep them securely tethered. Additionally, they should train their dogs to socialize with other human beings, helping them refrain from getting violent. Also, pet owners would do well to make sure that their dogs are fully vaccinated and don’t carry any contagious diseases that can harm others in the event of a bite.
On the other hand, there are plenty of things the average American can do to stay safe from animal bites. For instance, one should neither approach a stray dog nor pet it, especially if the owner is nowhere in sight. Moreover, it is better to avoid eye contact with unfamiliar dogs and to steer clear of dogs caring for their young. The bottom line is that, with a little common sense, Americans can reduce the possibility of an unpleasant incident.
Finally, the state itself has a role to play. By introducing the proper legislation, the state can protect its citizens by punishing careless pet owners who allow their dogs to harm other people. However, until legislation this stringent is put into action, pet owners may not face serious consequences, which is why anyone who gets bitten by a dog might benefit from reaching out to a professional lawyer who can inform them of their options and let them know how to proceed.