The family of a 76-year-old San Diego woman who died in December, six months after suffering severe dog bite injuries, may now finally see justice served. The woman, who was going to get the morning paper in her own yard, was attacked by her neighbor’s two pit bulls. They mauled and bit the woman so severely she required amputation of both legs and one of her arms. Several witnesses could only look on in horror and said the dogs escaped from their owners’ yard by ripping a hole in the woman’s metal fence.
The two dog owners now face trial on charges of manslaughter, a felony count of owning a mischievous animal causing death, and six other misdemeanors related to their negligent ownership of the dangerous animals. Prosecutors claim the owners knew the animals were dangerous because they had escaped and attacked another man walking his dog, causing serious injury to the dog and biting the man.
There is always anger and outrage when a domestic animal attacks, and the negligent pet owners should be the ones held responsible. In this case an elderly woman was severely injured and disfigured. She ultimately died from her wounds, and the dog owners face a sentence of up to five years in jail for their reckless lack of control of two seriously dangerous animals with a history of violent behavior.
The owners may face jail time, but the family of the victim who lost her life and endured over six months of pain and suffering before succumbing to her injuries should be entitled to damages for her injuries, pain and suffering, and other compensable damages.
Source: 10 News, “Mom, Daughter To Stand Trial In Fatal Dog Attack,” April 23, 2012
