The adoption rates from animal shelters have a significant increase just before the holiday season, and gifting a new pet during Christmas is a common occurrence for families – especially families with young children. If you were the lucky recipient of a new pet over the holidays, this blog post might be useful for you and your family to review.
You do not want anything to interrupt your joy at adding a new pet to the family. Unfortunately, dangerous animal attacks can happen at any time. The cold of the winter months won’t stop other animals or pets from attacking your pet, and it may even increase attacks from wild animals that are hungry from the winter.
Attacks in your yard
Walking your new dog can become a chore when the roads become icy, and snowbanks fill up the sidewalk space. Tethering your dog in your yard or letting them enjoy a fenced in yard are solutions that keep you warm indoors while allowing your pet run off pent-up energy. However, this can leave your animal vulnerable to an attack from an unleashed cat or dog in the area.
Additionally, wild animals like coyotes can be on the hunt for small, unsupervised pets in winter. This October, reports predicted a higher frequency of coyotes in Mecklenburg County. While wild animals are less of a problem in the metro area, it is still something to be aware of while at home or traveling to more rural areas.
Attacks at the dog park
Dog parks are an easy way to let your animal stretch their legs and socialize with other pets. Icy road or sidewalk conditions can make pet owners less likely to walk their dog – opting instead to take their dog to fenced-in park areas.
Unfortunately, during the cold temperatures owners may not be as vigilant at watching their pet. They may hover under shelters at the park or be unable to move quickly in icy conditions. Some owners will even sit in their vehicle while their dog runs unsupervised through the park.
Not following dog park rules and not being close to their pet during a negative animal-to-animal interaction can quickly spell disaster. Even the best-trained dogs can lash out when provoked. Often, it just takes an unfriendly dynamic between pets at the dog park, and within seconds, you have a dog bite situation on your hands.
Attacks in your home
Your home probably feels like the safest place your pet can be. As family and friends get together over the holidays or come over to meet your new animal addition to the family, animal bites can occur. People may ask to bring over their beloved pet to meet your new dog or cat, or you may request to bring your pet to their house for socialization. Be very aware that these interactions need supervision and can result in animal attacks.
Who is responsible for an animal attack?
Your pet deserves the best medical care no matter the cost. You should not be responsible for the medical bills that pile up when your animal suffers a bite from another pet. This can feel especially awkward when a family member or friend is the negligent owner.
An animal attack case can often hold the negligent party responsible in ways that do not force you to have awkward interactions – and still ensures you are compensated for the pain and suffering your pet endures.