Legal News You Can Use

President Bush’s dog, Barney, apparently had enough of the media when he sunk his teeeth into Reuters TV White House correspondent Jon Decker.First Dog Barney and his handler were out on the front lawn for a walk when  Decker bent down to pet him. Decker insists he didn’t provoke Barney and the dog’s handler says that the reaction was very unlike Barney.

Adam Goldfarb, an ‘Issues Specialist’ on dangerous dogs and dog bites, had this to say after viewing the incriminating video.

‘I think what happened is two things were going on– one is that nobody was picking up on the dog’s stress. Watching the video, the dog’s posture was very tense. Which is a sign that he was stressed out in the situation. The other thing the reporter did wrong was the way he approached Barney. He approached very quickly, and from above. His hand came downward from up high. And that can be very frightening for a dog, especially a small one.”

In Duval County (Jacksonville) Florida there is an Animal Control Ordinance in place under Section 462 of the City of Jacksonville Code titled the Jacksonville Florida Animal Control Ordinance. The Animal Control Ordinance covers topics including dog bites, dangerous dogs, and leash law.

Barney was on his own property but if there is a problem with an “At Large” dog or a dangerous dog, you can contact the City of Jacksonville Animal Control Department.

Florida’s Dog Bite Statute applies state wide and is not contingent on any of the various leash laws in place for counties and cities. Dog bites have legal consequences and a personal Injury Lawyer/ dog bite lawyer can assist you with these matters.

For tips on avoiding  dog bites visit Michael E. Seelie, Personal Injury Attorney.