Island views: Who should take responsibility when a dog bites someone?

Krista Garcia

Eli Adam

John Kirk

Krista Garcia

Naples

The owner should take responsibility for the way he or she raised the dog. Especially when it comes down to the species of the dog. Pit bulls, for example, have a bad reputation for being very aggressive. But I have known of some really sweet pit bulls. If an animal is raised to attack, that’s what it will do. It just comes down to how the owner raises the animal. If the dog is mistreated or not fed, or not accustomed to being around children, then, yes, it may bite. But, that behavior was caused by the way the dog has been treated by its owner.

Eli Adam

Naples

The owner is responsible is responsible for the dog’s habits. The owner trains the dog. If a dog bites someone, it is most likely just doing what its owner encouraged it to learn. If you go into its territory or cross its boundaries, and if the dog has been taught to fight, of course it is going to bite. The dog will do what it has been taught to do. Otherwise, this wouldn’t happen. It’s not the dog’s fault.

John Kirk

Naples

The biggest percentage of the time, probably, the homeowner should take responsibility. But, there are situations where people asking for it. Animals defend themselves, and if someone is harassing or teasing a dog, or the dog feels threatened, then the dog is going to bite. I’ve had plenty of dogs. If somebody breaks into my house, I hope my dog bites him. And, I would hope that I will not be responsible for that.