Raleigh woman attacked by neighbor's dog
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Raleigh North Carolina woman is attacked by neighbors vicious Pit Bull while trying to save her pet Poodle. She does have a remedy for her injuries, but North Carolina law should give stronger protection from dangerous dogs.
Malinda Delbridge, a Raleigh, North Carolina resident was attacked by her neighbor's Pit Bull after she tried to save her pet Poodle from the jaws of the vicious Pit Bull.
The dog bit her and drew blood and left a purple gash on her shin.
The Raleigh News and Observer reported that on average, dogs bite people every day in Raleigh. Last year, animal bites drew police 367 times -- up 56 percent from 2000.
As pointed out by a News and Observer editorial, North Carolina's dog bite laws are weak, especially when compared to the law in most other states.
Mrs Delbridge remains terrified of the Pit Bull which still lives beside her in her neighbor's yard. Although her neighbor keeps the dog locked up, Mrs. Delbridge knows that the dog could escape and bite her as it did before.
Although North Carolina's statutes could be greatly improved, case law in North Carolina does provide a remedy for Mrs. Delbridge and other dog bite victims for the damage done to her by her neighbor's vicious dog.
If Mrs Delbridge can prove that the Pit Bull's owner knew or should have known that the dog would likely bite others, she could sue her neighbor for negligence, and , if she proves her case, collect for all damage done by the dog bite.
Even though she has this remedy, there is not much the law can do in it's present state to ease the fear Mrs. Delbridge has for herself and her Poodle. That fear is why we need tougher statutory laws in North Carolina.