Dogs Attack Local Girl: What’s the Best Fencing for Dog Owners?

In May, two Rottweilers escaped their Grand Rapids yard and went after a young girl, dragging her under a fence. Now, the 5-year-old girl is confined to a wheelchair after being mauled by the dogs, and the story has only gotten grimmer as police learn more. The kind of fence installation Grand Rapids residents typically rely on for pets include wood, aluminum, or chain link fences, all of which help keep dogs confined humanely to a property. And a properly maintained residential fence could have avoided this particular tragedy altogether.

On May 15 on Liberty Street, Shanell was playing with her sister when a loose Rottweiler bit the girl’s leg and dragged her under a fence, all while another dog “latched onto her head.” Fortunately, her sister ran for help in time, and Shanell survived the attack, although she is temporarily in a wheelchair while her injuries heal.

“The way that they were playing with her and dragging her looked like she was going to rip her apart,” her sister Shamari told WOOD TV.

The girls’ mother Shanice added, “She kept saying, ‘Mom, I don’t want to die, Mom, I don’t want to die. I’m going to die.’”

The dogs were taken by animal control for 10 days but were then released back to their owners, who were ordered to keep the dogs muzzled and leashed. Days later, one of the dogs escaped again. Now they’re back with animal control, while Shanell faces months of rehab this summer.

Are Michigan Dog Owners Liable for Dog Bites?
Some states have what’s called a “one bite” law, which says that owners aren’t liable the first time their dog hurts someone. Michigan has no such law, and there are a number of circumstances in which a pet owner can face legal problems after a dog bite. If a dog bite victim was on a property legally and did not provoke the dog, the owner is liable under the Michigan Dog Bite Statute MCL 287.351. The victim’s lawyers just have to show that the owner should have known the animal was dangerous.

Of course, most dogs aren’t dangerous. However, animals can lash out when they are scared or frightened, or even accidentally harm someone while playing. It’s up to dog owners to make sure their pets don’t harm their neighbors.

Fence Installation Grand Rapids: What’s the Best Fences for Dogs?
Unfortunately, if a dog is determined to get outside of a yard, they often find a way. At the same time, invisible fences can trap animals who are being threatened. If you’re interested in the best residential fencing for your dog, you have a number of options that will do the job right. There’s a reason the U.S. fencing industry pulls in $51 billion a year. In one recent survey, 83% of Americans said it’s important to them to have a yard, while 90% of those who do have a yard said it’s important to keep the properties well maintained. But what’s the best fencing for dogs?

Custom wood fences are a popular choice because they’re strong and high enough to protect a dog while also boosting the curb appeal of a home. The best fencing companies can also provide chain link or aluminum fencing for pets. Most people choose aluminum fencing because it’s long lasting and offers a return on investment as high as 65%. But when installed correctly, it’s also a great choice for pet owners looking to keep their furry friends safe this summer.

In the wake of this local tragedy, all pet owners should consider investing in the best fence installation Grand Rapids has to offer, if only for their own pet’s protection.