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Dog-As-Deadly-Weapon Charge, Unusal but Still Occurs

Dog-As-Deadly-Weapon Charge
Fontana, CA - It certainly doesn't happen enough does it? Kenneth Phillips, a Beverly Hills attorney, is an expert on dog bite law and has helped states rewrite their statutes regarding dog owners' liability. He comments:

"Throughout the country, there are dog owners that face criminal charges for their actions almost every day. But it is distressing that it is not happening more often."

There are usually many options for prosecutors in dog bite cases, Phillips adds. Owners can be charged with anything from negligence to mayhem. Ken Childress from San Bernardino Animal Control agrees that holding more pit bull owners criminally liable might begin to create a safer environment.

The focus on "dog-as-deadly-weapon" charge comes to light after an 8-year-old boy was recently mauled in a Fontana, California after the owner told his pit bull to "sic" the boy. The evidence, according to the San Bernardino County district attorney's office, is enough to pursue felony charges.

The Fontana case involves witness evidence -- a person beyond the victim confirms the owner's order to attack the boy. Paul Davis Hicklin, the dog owner, was heard to say "sicc'em" as 8-year old Dakoda Mitchell and 9-year old Dallas Mitchell left Hicklin's property. The dog attacked Dakoda and chewed his face down to the bone.

Labels: Kenneth Phillips