A Chihuahua was killed in a dog bite incident in Richmond as it tried to protect two children from a vicious pit bull attack. According to an Associated Press news report, two pit bulls entered a home on June 25, 2010 after they escaped from their own yard by chewing off a fence. Mayda Estrella says the family's Chihuahua, Manchas, jumped in between the pit bulls and her children -- a 4-year-old boy and a newborn baby.

One of the attacking pit bulls grabbed the little dog and carried it away. Animal control officials took the pit bulls into custody. The pit bulls apparently killed the Chihuahua. Estrella told officials that the front door of the house was open when the dogs came in. The dog owner is not expected to face criminal charges.

It is indeed fortunate that none of the children was seriously injured in this dog attack. This is a situation that could have turned tragic in a heartbeat, if not for this brave, little dog.

Dog Bite Statistics

According to statistics provided by Dogsbite.org, during the five-year period between January 1, 2005 and March 8, 2010, 158 fatal dog attacks took place in the United States. Pit bulls were responsible for 56 percent of these attacks. This amounts to a pit bull killing an American every 21.5 days. Over the last few months, we have witnessed several dog attacks involving pit bulls. These attacks, a majority of which were on young children, resulted in fatalities as well as catastrophic injuries.

Liability Issues in Dog Bite Cases

In this particular case, officials have not filed criminal charges against the dog owner. However, California is one of several states that have a "strict liability statute." What this means is if your dog attacks someone or someone's pet, then you will be held financially liable for the injuries and expenses involved.

California's Civil Code Section 3342 states: "The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness."

Victims who have sustained injuries as the result of a dog attack would be well-advised to consult with an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who will make sure that the negligent dog owner is held liable. Victims can also claim compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, cosmetic surgery, psychological counseling and other related expenses.

Do you believe California should make breed bans legal?

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.

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