Dog Attack Death in Oakland County: Warmer Weather May Lead to Rise in Incidents

With warmer weather encouraging more outdoor activities, dog attacks could be on the rise. A tragic incident in Farmington Hills highlights the potential dangers and raises concerns about public safety.

Man Mauled to Death by Family Dog

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI — A man was mauled to death by a family dog Saturday in Farmington Hills, according to police. This tragic event underscores the increased risk of dog attacks as more people and pets spend time outdoors during the warmer months.

Details of the Incident

A family member discovered the 40-year-old man unconscious on the ground with a dog “pulling at his body” in the backyard of a home in the 22000 block of Elmgrove at 8 p.m. Saturday, police reported. The family member managed to separate the dog from the man and then called police.

When officers arrived, they found the man suffering from severe dog bite wounds. He was taken to Corewell Hospital in Farmington Hills, where he died. Investigators have determined the death was “accidental by dog mauling” but have not identified what may have triggered the attack.

Previous Dog Attack in the Area

The dog, described as a “pit bull mix,” was turned over to Oakland County Animal Control. The incident follows another attack just days earlier, where a 1-year-old girl and her grandmother were attacked by two family pit bulls inside their Wixom home.

Investigating the Dog’s History

Police are working with the family to determine if the dog involved in the Farmington Hills incident had any prior history of aggression or could have been labeled as “dangerous or potentially dangerous” under Farmington Hills City Ordinance.

Concerns About Public Safety

This incident raises serious concerns about what could happen if such a dog encounters strangers, delivery people, or even someone just passing by. If a family dog can attack someone it knows, the risk to unfamiliar individuals could be even greater. Dog attacks are often random and unexpected, making it crucial for pet owners to ensure their pets are properly controlled to prevent similar tragedies.

Responsibilities of Dog Owners to Keep Others Safe

As outdoor activities increase, authorities urge pet owners to be vigilant about their dogs’ behavior and to take steps to secure their pets. Dog owners have a significant responsibility to keep their dogs from becoming a threat to others. This includes ensuring that dogs are properly trained, socialized, and restrained. Basic measures include:

• Proper Training and Socialization: Ensuring dogs are well-trained and socialized to interact safely with people and other animals.
• Secure Fencing and Leashes: Keeping dogs within secure fenced areas and using leashes during walks to prevent them from running loose.
• Regular Vet Checks: Monitoring dogs for any health issues that could contribute to aggressive behavior.
• Awareness of Triggers: Understanding and managing situations that might trigger a dog’s aggressive tendencies.
• Community Safety: Being mindful of the community and taking extra precautions around children, elderly people, and other pets.

This vigilance is essential to safeguarding not only family members but also the broader community from potential dog attacks. By taking these responsibilities seriously, dog owners can help mitigate the risk of such tragic incidents.

If You’ve Been Bitten By a Dog

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, we can help. Contact the experienced Dog Bite Attorneys at Giroux Pappas for a free consultation. We are committed to ensuring you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.