Introduction
Dogs biting and attacking humans is a frightening experience that can happen unexpectedly and lead to serious injury. While your natural instinct may be to kick an aggressive dog to get it to stop, is that the right course of action? Determining how to ethically and effectively respond in the heat of the moment presents a complex dilemma.
Dog bites and attacks are unfortunately common, with over 4.5 million dog bites occurring each year in the United States alone. Most bites are from dogs that owners know, but attacks by unfamiliar dogs can be extremely dangerous as well. When faced with an attacking dog, fear and adrenaline take over as you try to stop the attack as quickly as possible.
Kicking an attacking dog may seem like the logical way to get it to retreat in the moment. However, looking at the ethics, effectiveness, and alternatives to kicking can help provide a fuller picture. This article examines the nuances around kicking versus other defense options when being attacked by a dog.
Legal Right to Self-Defense
You generally have the legal right to use reasonable force to defend yourself against an animal attack. Laws regarding self-defense and protection of property allow you to use the degree of force reasonably necessary to prevent bodily injury from an aggressive animal. The law recognizes that in the heat of the moment, a person in fear of physical harm may instinctively use more or different force than might seem objectively reasonable later on. Therefore, kicking an attacking dog would likely be legally justified as self-defense in most jurisdictions. However, any force used should be proportional to the threat, and deadly force against an animal is usually prohibited unless the animal reasonably appears likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm. So while kicking may be an understandable reflexive response, other alternatives that cause less harm to the animal may be recommended whenever safety permits. But the bottom line is the law acknowledges an inherent right to protect oneself from harm, including harm inflicted by an animal.
Effectiveness of Kicking
Kicking an attacking dog may temporarily stop the attack, but it also risks further provoking the animal. A dog bite is another canine’s natural form of self-defense or a weapon used in an act of aggression. Since dogs have a strong prey drive, kicking the body or head during an attack activates prey drive and encourages the dog to strengthen its bite. The dog may interpret kicking as an act of aggression or further threat, escalating the encounter.
Kicking uses a small target area that is difficult to make contact with during a fast, chaotic attack. It requires precise accuracy in targeting the dog’s sensitive nose or throat while avoiding the teeth. An inaccurate kick can glance off the dog’s body, causing no deterrent effect. The narrow contact area limits the potential force. The dog’s loose skin and fur also cushion any blows. This makes kicking an unreliable self-defense method during a dog attack.
Better Alternatives to Kicking
While kicking may seem like an instinctual reaction when a dog attacks, there are often better alternatives that can help defuse the situation without harming the dog or putting yourself at further risk of injury:
Carrying deterrent sprays – Having a citronella or pepper spray on hand allows you to humanely deter an aggressive dog without making physical contact. Aim spray at the dog’s face and eyes from at least 6 feet away.
Using jackets/bags as shields – If you have a jacket, purse, briefcase or bag with you, put it between yourself and the dog. This creates a barrier that can block its advance and prevent bites.
Backing away slowly – Don’t run or turn your back on an aggressive dog as this can trigger its prey drive. Face the dog and back away slowly without sudden movements until you’re out of its territory.
Calling for help – Yelling “help” can alert others to come to your aid and scare off the dog. Get to a protected area like inside a car or behind a fence if possible.
When Kicking May Be Necessary
While kicking an attacking dog should generally be avoided, there are some situations where it may be the only option to protect yourself or others from serious harm.
If the dog has you or someone else pinned or cornered with no chance of escape or other means of self-defense, a kick may be the only way to get the dog to retreat. This is especially true if the attack involves children who are unable to defend themselves.
Kicking should only be considered if it is the last resort to stop the attack when no other options are available. The goal should be to protect and not to cause lasting harm to the dog whenever possible.
Before resorting to kicking, do everything you can to calmly back away, use a barrier between you and the dog, or provide the dog commands to cease the attack. Only when the attack persists and escalates, with risk of bodily harm, should kicking the dog be considered.
Ethical Considerations
While you may have a legal right to kick an attacking dog, there are ethical concerns to consider.
We have a responsibility to treat animals humanely and avoid cruelty. Kicking a dog risks causing undue harm and pain beyond what’s necessary for defense. It may also intensify the dog’s aggression if done improperly.
It’s also important to consider the dog owner’s responsibility in the situation. Owners must properly train and restrain aggressive dogs to prevent attacks. So while kicking may fend off an individual dog, it doesn’t address the root cause – irresponsible ownership.
Instead of reflexively kicking, it’s better to report uncontrolled dogs to authorities, who can mandate training or restraints. This ethically stresses dog training and owner accountability over retaliation against the animal.
That said, in a true emergency, kicking may be the only option. But it should be a last resort, only with restraint and aimed exclusively at escape.
Preventing Attacks
The best way to handle a dog attack is to avoid one in the first place. Here are some tips for staying safe around unfamiliar dogs:
Be alert and aware of your surroundings when dogs are present. Look for signs of aggression like bared teeth, stiff body posture, and intense staring. Give unfamiliar dogs their space and don’t approach them. If a loose, unknown dog approaches you, remain calm and don’t make direct eye contact, which can be seen as threatening. Do not turn your back or run, which may trigger a chase response.
Advocate for responsible dog ownership and training. Support efforts to strengthen dangerous dog laws and regulations in your community. Make sure your own pets are supervised, secured, and properly socialized and trained not to show aggression. Promoting safe and educated dog handling benefits the whole community.
First Aid
If you or the dog suffers any injuries during the attack, providing prompt first aid is crucial. Here are some steps to take:
Stopping bleeding: Apply direct pressure on the wound with a clean cloth or bandage. Elevate injured limbs if possible. Use a tourniquet only if bleeding is severe and direct pressure is not enough.
Preventing infection: Clean the wound thoroughly with clean water and mild soap if available. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol, as these can damage tissue. Cover with a sterile bandage.
Seeking medical care: Serious bites should be evaluated by a medical professional. Puncture wounds are prone to infection and may require antibiotics or a tetanus shot. Look for signs of infection like redness, swelling, oozing, fever or increased pain over the next 24 hours.
Recovery/Aftermath
Being attacked by a dog can be a traumatic experience, both physically and emotionally. Even if you were legally justified in kicking the dog in self-defense, you may still experience feelings of guilt, fear, anxiety or anger after the incident. It’s important not to ignore these feelings – seek out professional counseling or join a support group to help process the attack and begin healing.
You may also consider taking legal action after being bitten or attacked. Consult a personal injury attorney about your options, which may include:
- Filing a lawsuit against the dog’s owner to recover damages like medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc.
- Reporting the incident to animal control or law enforcement so there is an official record of the dog’s aggression. This creates a paper trail in case the dog attacks again.
- Pursuing criminal charges against the owner if laws were broken, like failing to restrain a dangerous dog or allowing the attack.
Taking legal action not only helps you recover costs, but also holds irresponsible owners accountable and prevents future attacks. With the help of professionals, you can recover both physically and emotionally from a dog attack.
Conclusion
Most legal experts agree that you have a right to defend yourself against a dog attack. However, before resorting to kicking, it’s wise to consider alternatives like using pepper spray, a loud noise deterrent, or a barrier between you and the dog. Kicking should only be a last resort when those other options have failed and the attack poses an imminent threat.
While kicking may stop an attack, it also risks escalating the situation or injuring the dog. This raises ethical concerns, especially for animal lovers. The ideal solution is preventing attacks through proper training and supervision of dogs. But when prevention fails, your priority should be personal safety. Consider the risks and options carefully before kicking.
With some preparation and prevention, dog attacks can often be avoided entirely. But if all else fails, understand your legal rights and weigh the ethical dilemma thoughtfully. Put safety first, while also considering the dog’s wellbeing. With smart choices in an intense moment, both you and the dog can hopefully walk away unharmed.