Many Americans own dogs, and most are faithful companions and harmless to people. However, certain dog breeds are more aggressive than others; sometimes, they can attack and injure others. If a dog bite has injured you or a loved one, you need help from a dog bite lawyer, and Wagner Reese is uniquely qualified to assist you.
The Wagner Reese law firm, serving Indianapolis and Evansville, is one of Indiana’s leaders in personal injury law. You should turn to Wagner Reese for legal representation to get the most money for your personal injury case, including car accidents, truck accidents, and dog bite injuries.
Our dog bite attorneys have a record of obtaining large settlements and jury awards for our personal injury clients. We are among the elite in the field because several of our attorneys were named either Super Lawyers® or obtained Rising Stars® status in 2023. Only a few attorneys are members of these esteemed lists.
Also, founding partners Stephen Wagner and Jason Reese have been listed among Indiana’s Top 25 Super Lawyers® and Best Lawyers®. We take great pride in securing financial compensation and justice for past clients and look forward to helping you get the compensation you deserve.
What Is A Wolf-Dog Hybrid?
Wolf hybrids are dogs that are a mixture of a gray wolf and a domestic dog. Some common breeds with wolves in their ancestry are the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, and German Shepherd. However, there is no precise definition of a wolf-dog hybrid, and experts say that most animals sold are wolf-dogs with a low level of wolf DNA. However, they still can be more aggressive than average dogs.
Indiana Code 15-20-1-5(3) states that a wolf-dog hybrid is the offspring of a wolf and another type of animal. The law states that owners of these animals must keep them in a secure enclosure or building or keep the animal under the control of someone and on a leash that must be no longer than eight feet. If these rules aren’t followed and an attack results, the owner may be liable for damages.
How Dangerous Are Wolf-Dog Hybrids?
The number of wolf-dog hybrids in the United States is on the rise, with as many as 1 million living in the country today. But how safe are wolf-dog hybrids? Some believe that wolf-dog mixes are likelier to attack, bite, and maul humans and other dogs. But what do the facts say?
Research has been done on wolf-dog hybrids that suggest that no training or acclimation to people can make many of these animals good, safe pets. While some wolf-dog hybrids are not aggressive, a significant percentage are more likely to attack others. Here are some other things to be aware of about wolf-dog hybrids:
- They may be highly curious. Wolves like to explore their environment, so these animals may want to explore every inch of the owner’s house, which could include finding out what’s in everything, including furniture and drawers. This instinct usually involves them using their teeth and claws so they can be destructive.
- They may want to roam. Wolves are natural roamers and may try to escape any enclosure owners put them in.
- They like to dig and build dens. The owner of a wolf-dog hybrid may find that their animal likes to destroy lawns and furniture. They have been known to dig several feet under a fence to escape. So, even if the owner thinks the dog is secured, it still could escape and, theoretically, injure someone.
- They may have a strong predatory drive. Wolves look at other animals as food, so they may attack smaller dogs, cats, rodents, etc.
From the federal government’s perspective, wolf-dog hybrids are domestic pets but are treated as wild animals for rabies. So, if a wolf-dog bites you, it can be a rabies risk, even if the animal is vaccinated. The USDA regulates veterinary medicine and doesn’t approve of using a regular rabies vaccine with a wolf hybrid.
The consensus on wolf-dog hybrids is that they may be more aggressive than dogs. Also, their size, weight, and power make it easy for them to overwhelm and knock over a person and injure them, whether they bite or not.
Dog Bite Laws In Indiana
If a wolf-dog hybrid bit you or a loved one, it’s critical to understand Indiana state laws regarding dog bites. The law states that if a dog bites someone who was not provoking the dog, the owner may be liable for any damages the victim suffers.
Despite Indiana’s one-bite dog rule, the owner could still be liable for damages even if the wolf-dog has not behaved viciously before. This could be the case if you prove the owner was negligent with their wolf-dog hybrid. For instance, if they let the animal roam without being in a secure enclosure, this could be proof of negligence. Or, if the wolf-dog escapes their enclosure and attacks you, the owner could be responsible. If you have questions about how the laws of Indiana apply to your dog bite case, speak to a Wagner Reese dog bite attorney for a legal consultation.
The Wagner Reese Law Firm Will Fight For You
Wagner Reese is one of the best-qualified law offices in the state and can obtain the most compensation for your injuries and damages. Our attorneys understand how severely a wolf-dog hybrid could injure you or a loved one. You could have piles of medical bills, debilitating pain and suffering, mental anguish, and weeks or months of lost earnings. You can rest assured that we will stand up aggressively for your rights.
Eight of our dog bite lawyers have been listed on the Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars lists, which indicates their legal skills and expertise in the field. Our Evansville dog bite lawyers also have many highly satisfied clients who have welcomed the large settlement or jury award they have received for their injuries. If you’re ready to put a top-notch dog bite attorney on your case, call us today at (866) 828-0308 for a complimentary legal consultation.
