Dog Attacks and Animal Control in Memphis

The Role of Animal Control in Dog Attack Cases: What You Need to Know

If you or someone you love has been involved in a dog attack, it’s crucial to understand the role of animal control in your case. As a Memphis dog attack lawyer, I understand how dog attacks and animal control in Memphis are deeply connected.

I’m here to help you navigate this often confusing process. Knowing how animal control can assist in your situation (and what can go wrong) can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Why Animal Control Matters

Animal control plays a critical role in the process after a dog attack. They enforce local animal laws, investigate dog bites, and ensure the safety of the community.

As a result, when a dog attack occurs, animal control is usually one of the first agencies to get involved.

However, just like with any local agency, you may find a difference between animal control’s stated role and what they actually do in a crisis.

What Animal Control Should Do After a Dog Attack

After someone reports a dog attack to the police, animal control should work with local authorities to conduct an investigation and determine what happened. This might include:

Responding to the Incident

Animal control officers should respond to the scene as soon as possible. They’ll gather information from you, the dog owner, and any witnesses.

Quarantining the Dog

Animal control may quarantine the dog to protect the community from further attacks or rabies. They can observe the dog for any signs of illness and ongoing aggression.

Investigating the Dog’s History

They should also check the dog’s history for any previous incidents. Often, dog attacks follow a series of warnings and complaints from neighbors. If the dog has a history of aggressive behavior, and/or if the owner has a history of downplaying the risk, it could strengthen your case.

Documenting the Attack

The officers should take notes, photographs, and even statements from everyone involved. This critical documentation can be used as evidence in your case.

Enforcing Local Laws

Depending on the severity of the attack, the dog’s owner may face fines or mandatory training. In extreme cases, they likely will remove the dog from the owner.

How This Helps Your Case

The information and evidence animal control gathers can be a powerful tool in your case. Their official reports can help prove the dog was dangerous and the owner was negligent.

As a result, a great local animal control team could help you get compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What If Animal Control Fails in Their Job?

It’s important to contact animal control right after the attack. The sooner they start their investigation, the better.

However, as a Memphis dog attack lawyer, I know sometimes the agency moves slower than it should. And I’ve learned through my decades of experience not to depend solely on their investigation to prove your claim.

Instead, you need a great personal injury lawyer on your side who will gather evidence, get statements, and help build your case. And this will help in any dog attack situation, but especially when animal control moves too slowly or not at all.

Dog Attacks and Animal Control: Get Legal Help Today

If you or a loved one have suffered from a dog attack, you need an experienced lawyer on your side.

Our Memphis attorneys understand how to handle dog attacks and animal control, and we work with local agencies, witnesses, and experts to build your case.

We fight to get you the compensation you deserve. All with the compassion and respect you need after such a devastating trauma. And we don’t get paid anything unless and until we win your case.

If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog in Memphis, don’t wait. Contact me today to discuss your case and learn how I can help you. Together, we can make sure you get justice.