10/26/2010 // West Palm Beach, FL, US // Sandra Quinlan // Sandra Quinlan
Jacksonville, FL—An unfortunate dog attack claimed the life of a 4-year-old Sunday evening, October 24, 2010. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) and Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) are investigating the tragic incident, as reported by CNN.
The victim’s parents told reporters they left their child unattended for a mere few seconds when their pet pit bull terrier attacked for unknown reasons. Though the father alleged the pit had no history of aggression, the Department of Children and Families plans to investigate those claims as a precaution.
DCF will also investigate how long the child was left alone. “Our investigation will reveal if the incident was abuse, neglect or an accident… It’s a very tragic case and our sympathy goes out to everyone who knew the child,” said DCF spokesman John Harrell.
A full probe into the child’s death was expected to take several weeks to complete. Additionally, DCF advised parents to exercise caution when keeping potentially aggressive dogs as pets.
According to information provided by DogsBite.org, 59 percent of 88 fatal dog attacks recorded by the organization from January 2006 through December 2008 involved pit bulls. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also estimated dog bites and attacks were responsible for about 368,245 emergency room visits during the year 2001.
Legal News Reporter: Sandra Quinlan– Legal News for Florida Dog Bite Lawyers.
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Url: Sandra Quinlan: West Palm Beach Injury News
