Rottweiler Attack Causes Serious Hand Injuries

Case Overview

This case involves a man in Massachusetts who was seriously injured when his neighbors allowed two of their rottweilers to escape from the backseat of their car without a leash. At the time of the incident in question, the man’s neighbor was returning home with the rottweilers in his car. As he got out of his car to open the door to his garage he left his car door open, allowing his dogs to escape. The owner failed to have the aggressive dogs on collars or leashes, and also failed to have them muzzled despite prior incidents of violent behavior against strangers. The dogs ran onto the plaintiff’s property and attacked him. As a result of the attack, the plaintiff suffered serious injuries to his hand that required a number of corrective surgeries to repair.

Questions to the Veterinary Medicine expert and their responses

Do you have extensive experience with rottweiler breed instinct and behavior?

I have served as an expert witness on several dog bite cases, as well as a case in which a dog bite fatality was at issue. That fatality case involved a rottweiler who had been raised in an abusive environment. I have experience as a dog trainer, as well as a companion animal specialist. I do not own a rottweiler, however I have specific experience training rottweilers in our training classes at my training center.

What type of steps does an owner need to take in order to prevent an event like this from happening?

It is the owner's responsibility to have his dogs leashed and under control at all times. This is a clear cut case of negligence on behalf of the owner.

About the expert

This highly qualified dog behavior expert has 28+ years of experience. Presently, she is the owner of an animal behavior training center, where she applies her extensive experience in canine behavior, training, health care, and nutrition. She has published 6 books, numerous scientific papers, and educational materials for pet owners. Formerly, this expert was an Assistant Professor in the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. She earned her BS in Animal Science at Cornell University.

E-021089

Specialties:

Veterinary Medicine