This case involves a repairman that was attacked by a large dog without provocation. The repairman was attacked in the front yard of the house as he approached the front door. At the time of the attack, the dog was unleashed even though the owner of the property knew that her dog had a history of aggressive behavior. An expert in animal behavior and animal husbandry was sought to opine on responsible canine husbandry and the responsibility of owners to minimize the dangers posed by even the most well-trained dogs when off leash.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
1. Are you able to a discuss a dogs' propensity for violence and the proper handling of dogs? Please explain.
Expert Witness Response E-011422
I am an expert in animal behavior with 30+ years of experience in rottweiler husbandry and am the owner of one of the country's top show dogs for the breed. From the brief description, I have a good idea of what likely happened here. As dogs are walked in or roam the same area for an extended period, they leave more and more markings, causing them to become increasingly territorial. Because of behavioral patterns like this, it is irresponsible, and often illegal, to leave a dog unleashed in a public or trafficked area. I write about dog training issues and am very much against leaving dogs unleashed.
