Shining a Spotlight on Child Dog Bite Cases

After the tragic death of an 18-month-old girl in a Newark, NJ, pit bull attack earlier this month, the media spotlight is increasingly focusing on child dog safety. The Newark attack occurred just four days after East Orange police shot and killed a pit bull after it had attacked three children and an adult.

The rising trend of child dog attacks across the country and the tragic impact of negligent dog owners is coming into focus. This post highlights several U.S. child dog attacks in recent years and explains the steps to help prevent dog attacks and devastating dog bite injuries.

Abbey Brown Anderson – Monday, December 12, 2022

After pulling into the driveway of their home in Teaneck, NJ, Abbey Brown Anderson and her mother, Khaleen, were attacked by a pit bull. When Khaleen tried to jump back into the car with her daughter, the dog jumped into the vehicle, biting Abbey Brown Anderson on her face and neck. While Abbey survived her injuries, her mother says she suffered from severe trauma after the attack. The animal was known to the New Jersey authorities, having bitten a postal worker in 2017.

CJ Wright-Haywood, November 18, 2023

2-year old CJ Wright-Haywood sustained injuries to his arm and torso after a pit bull attack outside his family’s Austin, TX home.

While CJ recovered shortly after the attack, the incident was noteworthy as the dog was leash-free and wandering the neighborhood unattended. Similar circumstances involving off-leash pit bulls at family homes and in local communities across the country have led to fatal attacks.

Daymon Balbuena – Saturday, March 9, 2024

On Saturday, March 9, 2024, three-month-old Daymon Balbuena was killed in an attack by a pit bull terrier in his family’s home. During the incident, Daymon’s mother, Sierra, and his father, Henrylee, also sustained life-changing injuries restraining the animal, which had been a family pet.

Jaxson Dvorak – Wednesday, July 3, 2024

6-year-old Jaxxson Dvorak was killed on July 3,  2024, when his family’s pet dogs, a pit bull mix and a German shepherd mix, attacked him while he was staying at his Uncle’s residence in Lorraine County, OH. The child was pronounced dead at the scene, and law enforcement removed two dogs from the home.

Covil Allen – Friday, July 19, 2024

3-year-old Covil Allten was killed after being attacked by two pit bulls in a family home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. At the time of the attack, there was due to be a dog sale involving the XL American Bullies that police reports show were responsible for the attack.

The XL American Bully breed has been involved in a rising number of attacks in recent years as breeders develop them for their size, strength, and aggression.

Dog Safety Guidelines for the Family Home

Proactive risk management and safety training can help your family minimize the potential for a tragic dog attack in your home. Consider the following dog safety guidelines:

Never leave a child and dog alone.

It doesn’t matter the breed, the size of the dog, or your history with the animal: do not leave a child alone in a room with a dog. Dogs are unpredictable and only require a second to cause life-changing injuries.

Understand the risks associated with pit bulls and other muscle dogs.

While any dog can inflict significant injuries on a child, pit bulls are associated with the most damaging attacks. The strength and size of the pit bull breed make them unsuitable pets for families with children. If you keep them in the home with children, consider using a muzzle, even at home.

Give dogs and children a break from one another.

Dogs have a limited means of expressing their frustration and may lash out if a child continues to encroach on their territory. Ensure you don’t keep your child and dog in the same room together, even with oversight, for extended periods.

Give the dog breaks to run outside and respond immediately by removing the dog from the space should the animal show even the slightest aggression or frustration.

Call the New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer for Your Child Dog Bite Case

David Cowhey is the New Jersey dog bite lawyer with the highest number of six-figure settlements. He’s helped families across the state secure fair dog bite recoveries, and he’s here to help you navigate the complexities of New Jersey dog bite law.

For sensitive, thoughtful legal guidance after a tragic attack on a child, choose David Cowhey. Request your free, no-obligation consultation by calling David Cowhey at 1 (609) 513-0627 to review your legal options.