Personal Injury Law Blog

Man’s best friend may be a delightful companion when properly cared for, but encountering a loose dog on the streets of Chicago can present certain risks. Many people, driven by good intentions or a love for animals, might be tempted to approach a stray or loose dog. However, doing so can lead to serious consequences, including painful dog bites and expensive medical bills.

When interacting with a dog that you know, you can typically anticipate their behavior. Approaching an unfamiliar dog, especially one that is alone and seemingly lost or frightened, can be unpredictable. In an urban environment like Chicago, where strays might have faced harsh living conditions, the dog’s behavior could be defensive or aggressive. You potentially face the risk of dog bites or dog attacks that result in a wide range of injuries.

ABC7 Chicago recently reported on a Sheridan Park woman who was severely injured in a violent dog attack. The incident occurred when the woman came across a family and two dogs while walking at Sunnyside Avenue and Dover Street.

According to the report, the dog “jumped up” and “lunged,” and refused to let go after latching onto the woman’s chest. The family allegedly did not try to stop their dogs from attacking. They also failed to address what had occurred.

The woman managed to get some first aid nearby. ABC7 Chicago reported that she was looking for the dogs’ owners to find out whether they had received a rabies vaccination.

Loose dogs pose health concerns as their vaccination status is likely to be unknown. Attempting to pet or handle a loose dog exposes you to potential health hazards such as rabies, ticks, fleas or other transmissible diseases. Without proper vaccinations, both the dog and the person approaching it are at risk.

One of the top concerns after a dog bite is the risk of infection. Bacteria that inhabit a dog’s mouth can enter a person’s body through a wound. If you are bitten by a dog, be sure to clean the wound right away. Look for signs of infection such as swelling, fever, redness and warm skin. See a doctor immediately to get appropriate medical treatment.

A key reason for avoiding loose dogs is the uncertainty surrounding their temperament. Unlike pets that are used to human interaction, stray or loose dogs may show unpredictable behavior due to fear, anxiety or territorial instincts. Approaching them without understanding their temperament can escalate the situation and increase the likelihood of aggression.

Dogs are naturally territorial animals, and a loose dog might perceive your approach as an invasion of its space. Attempting to interact with a dog in its perceived territory can lead to defensive behaviors, putting you at risk of being bitten. Such behaviors can be triggered even if the dog is not necessarily aggressive under normal circumstances.

Stray dogs are often in survival mode, and their instincts to protect themselves can lead to fear-based aggression. Approaching a loose dog, especially if it feels cornered or threatened, may trigger a defensive response. Stress can exacerbate this behavior, turning what might seem like a harmless approach into a potentially dangerous situation.

While the temptation to approach a loose dog may arise from a genuine desire to help or connect with animals, it is crucial to prioritize both your safety and the dog’s wellbeing. Instead of interacting with a loose dog, consider contacting local animal control or a rescue organization to ensure the dog receives the appropriate care and attention it needs in a safe and controlled environment.

Under Chicago law, dogs are required to be leashed at all times when they are not on their owner’s property. Dog owners may face hundreds of dollars in fines for violating the law, even when no one is injured. Residents can report stray dogs to Chicago Animal Care and Control, which has the authority to impound loose animals.

If you have suffered a dog bite, whether from a loose animal or someone’s pet, make sure to get medical attention right away. You should then contact an experienced Chicago dog bite lawyer to find out about the possibility of pursuing compensation from the dog’s owner.

Briskman Briskman & Greenberg is dedicated to helping injured dog bite victims recover damages for their medical bills and other related costs. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.