A 4-year-old girl was fatally injured in a dog attack while swimming at her home in Visalia, California.
According to a report in The Daily Mail, Zoey Hawkins was getting out of her kiddie pool on Sept. 4, 2024, when her father went inside to get the child a towel.
By the time Eric Hawkins returned just a few seconds later, the family’s pet pit bull bit Zoey in her armpit. She died from her wounds after being transported to an area hospital.
The Aftermath of the Tragic California Dog Attack
Zoey’s cousin, Pearl Vargas, told Fox 28 that the family was in disbelief because the dog had been around her for more than two years. She said the girl and the dog were always around each other and would play together.
Zoey’s parents, who are apparently animal lovers, even have a Facebook page dedicated to their pit bull.
The family gave up the dog to be put down following the tragic California dog attack. Vargas claims that because they have two other infant children and are still dealing with the trauma of their daughter’s passing, they do not intend to get another dog.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family of Zoey Hawkins for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. They will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Dog Attacks Involving Pit Bulls in the U.S.
Dog attacks involving pit bulls have been a subject of controversy in the U.S. for years. Pit bulls, a category that includes breeds like the American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier, are often singled out in discussions about dangerous dog breeds due to the perceived severity of their attacks.
A dog’s aggression will depend on many factors, including their training. However, according to studies and reports, pit bulls are involved in a disproportionate number of severe dog attacks compared to other breeds.
Pit bulls made up 66% of fatal dog attacks in the United States between 2005 and 2020, according to a study by DogsBite.org, a website for public education about dangerous dogs.
This figure has fueled debates about breed-specific legislation. Some people want to regulate or ban the ownership of certain breeds, particularly pit bulls, in an effort to reduce dog attacks.
However, many animal advocacy groups argue that the problem lies not with the breed itself but with irresponsible ownership.
Factors such as improper training, neglect, and lack of socialization are often cited as the root causes of aggression in any dog, regardless of breed.
Critics of such laws argue that they unfairly target pit bulls. They want to see efforts focused on owner accountability and education about responsible pet ownership.
The debate over pit bulls and their involvement in attacks continues to be polarizing. Both sides have strong opinions regarding the best approach to managing canine aggression and public safety.
Dog Owners’ Liability in California
Under California’s Civil Code Section 3342, strict liability laws apply to dog owners’ liability in the event of an attack, regardless of breed.
This law holds dog owners responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of whether the dog had a history of aggression or if the owner was aware of such tendencies.
In other words, the owner can be held liable even if the dog has never bitten or attacked anyone before.
For a victim to claim damages, they must prove that the dog caused their injury. They must also show that they were lawfully present on public or private property when the attack occurred.
This includes places such as parks, sidewalks, or a private residence where they were invited.
However, the law makes exceptions for cases where the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing. In such situations, the owner’s liability may be reduced or negated.
Victims of dog bites in California can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
California’s strict liability dog bite laws are designed to promote public safety by encouraging responsible pet ownership and holding owners accountable for their dogs’ behavior.
Protecting Children from Dangerous Dogs
Here are a few tips that can help protect children from dangerous dogs:
Teach gentle interaction
Educate your children on how to approach and interact with dogs. Encourage them to be calm, gentle, and respectful, avoiding rough play or grabbing the dog’s ears, tail, or fur.
Supervise all interactions
Never leave young children alone with a dog, even if it is a family pet. Supervise all interactions to ensure they remain safe and appropriate, and intervene if the dog shows signs of discomfort.
Respect the dog’s space
Teach your children not to disturb the dog when it is eating, sleeping, or resting in its crate or bed. Dogs can become territorial and protective, especially in these moments.
Socialize and train your dog
Ensure your dog is well-socialized and trained to obey basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “leave it.” This reduces the risk of aggressive behavior in stressful situations.
Recognize warning signs
Teach children to recognize when a dog is feeling stressed or agitated, such as growling, showing teeth, or having raised fur, and to move away calmly.
Set boundaries
Create safe spaces for both children and dogs, allowing the dog to retreat to a quiet area if it needs to be alone.
What to do if a dog attacks you
If a dog has attacked you, immediate action is crucial. First, move to safety to avoid further injury. Once safe, assess the severity of your wounds.
For minor injuries, wash the area with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection, then apply an antiseptic and cover the wound with a clean bandage.
For more serious injuries, seek immediate medical attention, as deep bites may require stitches or rabies treatment.
Document the incident by taking photos of the injuries and gathering information about the dog, including its owner and vaccination status.
Report the attack to local animal control authorities, especially if the dog is aggressive or roaming freely. Contact an experienced California dog bite lawyer to understand your legal rights and potential compensation, as dog owners may be liable for medical bills and damages under local laws.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13838497/girl-mauled-pitbull-death-california-home.html
