No one likes to think about the possibility of getting attacked by a dog, but it is always better to be prepared in case it does happen.
If a dog attacks you, there are certain things you should do in order to protect yourself and minimize the injuries you sustain.
Every other day you might come across news of people bitten by dogs or, in self-defense, they had to kill the dog.
Unprepared, ordinary, common individuals sometimes have to go to extremes to save themselves, a member of their family, or even a stranger from an aggressive dog attack.
In such cases, whatever comes your way, you have to use it to protect yourself. But the question is; are you doing the right thing by attacking the dog?
Will you be facing legal consequences for such an action? What does the law allow you to do in such a situation?
The first thing you should do if you are attacked by a dog is to try to remain calm. It is important not to scream or run away, as this will only aggravate the situation.
If you can, try to place something between yourself and the dog, such as a backpack or a piece of furniture. This will give you something to brace yourself against if the dog tries to knock you down.
If the dog does knock you down, cover your face and head with your hands and arms to protect them from being bitten. curl up in a ball and remain still until the dog loses interest and wanders off.
Once the danger has passed, seek medical attention even if you do not think you have been injured. Dog bites can often become infected, so it is better to be safe than sorry.
By following these steps, you can help ensure your safety if you are ever unfortunate enough to be attacked by a dog.
What You Should Do If You Get Attacked by a Dog
If you are attacked by a dog, there are certain things you should do in order to protect yourself and minimize the injuries you sustain.
The first thing you should do if you are attacked by a dog is to try to remain calm. It is important not to scream or run away, as this will only aggravate the situation.
If you can, try to place something between yourself and the dog, such as a backpack or a piece of furniture. This will give you something to brace yourself against if the dog tries to knock you down.
If the dog does knock you down, cover your face and head with your hands and arms to protect them from being bitten. curl up in a ball and remain still until the dog loses interest and wanders off.
Once the danger has passed, seek medical attention even if you do not think you have been injured. Dog bites can often become infected, so it is better to be safe than sorry.
The self-defense doctrine
Usually, it’s in your power to kill or wound a dog if it has lethally attacked a person. However, it holds true only if the attack is directed against a human being and not any other animal.
The act has to be lethal, which can harm a person significantly. It has to be an immediate threat. You cannot act upon something that has happened in the past.
And finally, if there is no other alternative other than injuring or killing the dog, then only you can go ahead and do so. If such are the conditions, then you will not face any legal issues for killing or harming a dog during an attack.
If the attack is directed toward the farm animals, the owner is responsible for the safety of the animals. The owner in such a case will not be able to take extreme actions if the animals get bit by a dog.
The threat must be immediate, as we mentioned earlier. You cannot kill a dog for what it had done in the past or take action thinking that it will do something in the future.
The law concerning self-defense will allow you to show aggression only if you meet with aggression. No revenge killing is allowed. You cannot escape the law for killing or harming a dog because it bit you in the past.
Follow a lawful method
You might be thinking that how on earth is it possible for a person to follow a particular method at the time of a lethal dog attack? Well, you might end up killing a dog while defending yourself or a dear person, but you may face criminal charges for the method used in the process.
There have been many cases where a person used a firearm to kill a dog but had to face criminal charges for having a concealed weapon, animal cruelty, or possessing an illegal firearm. You have to have proof that you acted in self-defense to save yourself from landing up in jail.
What’s the best way to defend oneself from a fatal dog attack?
In rural regions, you can use a licensed gun to protect yourself from a vicious dog attack. But in other places where there are strict laws regarding the possession of unconcealed or concealed weapons, using a knife or a firearm is not advisable.
The safest way is probably to use a fire extinguisher which can effectively ward off the danger without causing harm to bystanders. You can also use a large stick or any other object to keep the dog at bay.
Final words
No one can predict when they might face an aggressive dog attack, but it’s always good to be prepared for such an eventuality.
Knowing how to react in such a situation and using the right method to protect yourself is very important. We hope this article has equipped you with the necessary information and we hope you never have to face such a situation.
Frequently asked questions related to dog attack
1. What is the best way to protect oneself from a fatal dog attack?
The best way to protect oneself from a fatal dog attack is to use a fire extinguisher or a large stick.
2. What does the law allow you to do in such a situation?
The law allows you to kill or injure a dog if it has lethally attacked a person.
3. Can you escape the law for killing or harming a dog?
No, you cannot escape the law for killing or harming a dog.
4. What is the self-defense doctrine?
The self-defense doctrine is a legal principle that allows you to kill or injure a dog if it has lethally attacked a person.
5. What is the best way to defend oneself from a fatal dog attack?
The best way to defend oneself from a fatal dog attack is to use a fire extinguisher or a large stick.
6. Can you use a knife or a firearm in such a situation?
No, you cannot use a knife or a firearm in such a situation.
7. What should you do if you are attacked by a dog?
If you are attacked by a dog, you should use a fire extinguisher or a large stick to defend yourself.
