Category Archives: Appellate Court Rulings

A collection of posts from the DogsBite.org Blog about state and federal appellate court rulings pertaining to dog bite victim lawsuits, dangerous dog laws and breed-specific legislation.

2015 Dog Bite Fatality: Maryland Man Mauled to Death by Adopted Rescue Pit Bull

Attacked While Taking Down His Christmas Tree Adopted from Rescue UPDATE 01/08/15: New information has been released about an elderly man mauled to death by his pet pit bull while taking down his Christmas tree. The fatally attacking dog was a 4-year old neutered male pit bull that Eugene Smith and his son adopted from an unnamed rescue organization in May. The pit bull was not a stray as earlier reports claimed. Police officials continue to look into the dog's background. Ani… [Read full blog post]

Aurora Citizens: Do Not Rescind Your Successful Pit Bull Ban

Vote No on Pit Bull Ballot Question, Proposition 2D Vote No on Proposition 2D Aurora, CO - On October 14, ballots will begin to be mailed to all registered voters in Aurora, Colorado. In a first ever general election vote, the public will be asked the following: "Shall the people of Aurora adopt an ordinance allowing pit bulls back into their city?" We urge residents of Aurora to vote no. The City of Aurora adopted a pit bull ban in 2005. Since this time, serious pit bull maulings ha… [Read full blog post]
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Maryland Legislature Mutes Landmark Ruling, Tracey v. Solesky, During 2014 Legislative Session

Included: Timeline of Major Events from 2007 to 2014 Annapolis, MD - On April 8, Governor Martin O'Malley signed Senate Bill 247 into law abrogating the Court of Appeals of Maryland's decision in Tracey v. Solesky. The 2012 decision declared pit bulls "inherently dangerous" and attached strict liability when a pit bull attacks a person. This liability extended to landlords when a tenant's pit bull attacks. DogsBite.org submitted an amicus brief to the high court on behalf… [Read full blog post]
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Missouri - Proposed Statewide Bill Prohibiting Breed-Specific Ordinances Fails During Legislative Session

DogsBite.org Clarifies Fallacy Arguments, Makes First Public Appeal A victory for the health and safety of children, and you helped! Jefferson City, MO - The 2014 Legislative Session of the Missouri General Assembly ended on Friday, May 16. A bill sponsored by Rep. Ron Hicks failed to pass. HB 1116 would have prohibited municipalities in Missouri to enact breed-specific laws, including cities with home rule governance. Any jurisdiction with an existing pit bull ordinan… [Read full blog post]