Dog Killed in Pit Bull Attack
Dogs are often known as man’s best friend, but they can attack suddenly and cause serious injuries and death to not only humans but other animals as well.
A New Jersey family knows that first hand. The couple, from Linden, is dealing with the loss of their dog, a 5-year-old Papillon. Their dog was attacked by two pit bulls that got loose from a neighbor’s yard.
The dog was on a walk with his owner on February 8 along East Munsell Avenue in Linden. That was when the pit bulls jumped a chain link fence to get free from their yard.
Their dog was attacked. The man was also attacked and suffered bite wounds to his face and hands. Fortunately, a good Samaritan was nearby to help free him. The person had grabbed a shovel and struck one of the dogs.
The man and his wife took Kato to Garden State Veterinary Hospital in Woodbridge. However, the dog suffered severe puncture wounds and a broken leg and did not survive surgery.
The two pit bulls have been taken into custody by Linden Animal Control. The fate of the pit bulls is unknown, but they could be euthanized. The owners of the pit bulls have called the victims to apologize. They also offered to pay for damages.
Dog Attacks in New Jersey
New Jersey consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of dog bite insurance claims. In 2024, there were 792 reported dog bite claims in New Jersey, out of more than 22,600 nationwide, according to the Insurance Information Institute. This places New Jersey in the top 10 states for dog-related injury claims.
Common causes of dog attacks include:
- Off-leash dogs in public areas.
- Poor fencing or unsecured yards.
- Lack of training or socialization.
- Failure to follow local leash laws.
- Provoked reactions, especially involving children.
While anyone can be a victim, children face the highest risk. In fact, children under 10 years old account for nearly half of all serious dog bite injuries nationwide.
New Jersey follows a strict liability rule, meaning that dog owners are automatically liable if their dog bites someone. This law applies whether the bite happens in public or on private property (including the owner’s home).
Victims do not need to prove prior aggression, owner negligence, or past bite history. The injured person only must show:
- The defendant owned the dog.
- The victim was lawfully present.
- A bite occurred.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Dog attacks can occur when an aggressive dog is allowed to run loose without supervision. Dog owners need to be mindful of the consequences they could face if their dog is left to run free.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a dog bite, seek legal help from a Morristown dog bite injury attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff. Our legal team has extensive experience helping clients injured by dog attacks and dog bites to recover full and fair compensation. Fill out the online form or call (973) 455-1567 to schedule a consultation with our office.
Source:
newjersey.news12.com/2-pitbulls-kill-5-year-old-papillon-in-linden-attack
