Memphis Injury Lawyer Blog

Here we go again. Another child mauled by a Memphis pit bull dog in less than 30 days. On December 1st, we posted an article discussing the dangers and laws that Tennessee trial lawyers see all too often when representing injured people. It has been said that the best predictor of behavior is a look into the past. Sadly, another child has become a victim in Memphis, Tennessee.

In this most recent case, the attacking pit bull was a "stray". The Memphis Humane Society investigates animal cruelty reports in Shelby County. For example, there is the case of Fudge.

Fudge was found in a ditch on Fite Road. A citizen was driving by and saw him laying there and at first thought he was dead. Then she saw him raise his head. She turned around and came back. When she got out, he wagged his tail. She got him in her car and brought him to the Humane Society.

Fudge had numerous bite wounds, a broken toe on his right front paw, his gums were pale, he had open wounds all over his legs, and he was malnourished. He had to have his leg put in a splint to stabilize the break. We also had to bandage his many wounds.

He was put on antibiotics and pain medications. His feeding schedule had to be slow at first because he was so malnourished. It took 3 days for his gums to return to pink. He may always have a permanent limp where the break was.

Fudge is about a year old. It makes you wonder how many strays that become viscious were made that way by the dog-fighting underworld. Apparently, dog-fighting as a blood sport is reported in newspaper accounts as early as the 1700's in America. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has investigated and reported this national disgrace for many years. Tennessee has very strict laws on abuse or neglect of animals. If you know of a case of animal cruelty or dog-fighting, call the Humane Society at 901-937-3900.

You may be saving your neighbors from injury or death. You may also be protecting the safety and welfare of a dog who would but for mistreatment be a loving pet and companion.