The Dogo Argentino is a powerful breed with a strong prey drive, which can sometimes lead to attacks on humans.
Their high energy levels and strong instincts can make them unpredictable, especially if they're not properly trained or socialized.
Dogo Argentinos were originally bred for hunting large game, such as wild boar, and were often used for this purpose in their native Argentina.
This history of hunting can contribute to their strong prey drive and potential aggression towards humans, especially if they're not properly trained or socialized.
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Dogo Argentino Attacks on Humans
Dogo Argentinos are known to be a breed of dog that can be quite aggressive.
The breed is banned in several countries, including Australia, Argentina, the United Kingdom, and Denmark.
In Florida, there are no bans on the breed, but state law puts restrictions on "dangerous dogs".
A dog is considered dangerous if it has aggressively bitten or attacked a human being on public or private property.
A unique perspective: Dogo Argentino Dangerous Dog
Or if it has more than once severely injured or killed a domestic animal while off the owner's property.
Or if it has, when unprovoked, chased or approached a person upon the streets, sidewalks, or any public grounds in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack.
This is exactly what happened to Thomas Hartwig, who was attacked by a Dogo Argentino and suffered serious injuries.
He had to get 17 staples in his neck to close his wounds.
Hartwig's two Italian greyhounds, Giovanni and Luigi, were also severely injured and sadly died.
The owner of the Dogo Argentino knew that the dogs should have been wearing muzzles but didn't follow the order.
This lack of control led to the tragic attack on Hartwig and his dogs.
It's essential to take precautions and follow laws when owning a potentially aggressive breed like the Dogo Argentino.
Consider reading: Why Do Dogs Attack When They Sense Fear
Regulations and Laws
In New South Wales, the Companion Animals Act 1998 is the main piece of legislation dealing with animal ownership and control.
The Act has a specific section, 16, that deals with the offence of dog attack. This section prescribes a maximum penalty of $11,000 for owners of dogs that rush at, attack, bite, harass or chase an animal (other than vermin), regardless of whether any injury is caused.
If the incident occurred as a result of the dog being teased, mistreated, attacked or otherwise provoked, the owner is not guilty of the offence.
A person is also not guilty if the incident occurred as a result of the person or animal trespassing on the property on which the dog was being kept.
There are certain circumstances where a dog attack is considered justifiable, such as when the dog is acting in reasonable defence of a person or property, or in the course of lawful hunting, or in the course of the working of stock by the dog or the training of the dog in the working of stock.
If a dog attack involves a menacing, or a dog that is considered dangerous or a 'restricted' dog, the maximum penalty increases to $44,000.
A 'restricted dog' is one of the following breeds: American pitbull terrier or Pitbull terrier, Japanese tosa, dogo Argentino (Argentinean fighting dog), and filo Brasiliero (Brazilian fighting dog).
Suggestion: Pitbull Dogo Argentino
Incidents and Consequences
Dogo Argentinos have been involved in several fatal attacks on humans, with a notable example being the 2001 incident in which a dogo attacked and killed a 4-year-old boy in Argentina.
The average number of dogo attacks on humans per year in the United States is around 30, resulting in an estimated 20-30 human fatalities.
In some cases, dogo Argentinos have been used for guarding and protecting purposes, but their high prey drive and strong hunting instinct can make them prone to attacking humans if they perceive them as threats or prey.
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Newscaster Dog Bite Incident
Most dogs can tolerate a person talking to them face-to-face without problems, but it's not always smart to do this with a relatively unfamiliar dog, especially if it's large.
The Dogo Argentino is a large breed of dog, and it's not known if the dog in question had prior aggressive tendencies or if it had previously acted aggressively when confronted with a stranger's face at close range.
It's not smart to kiss or talk to a dog face-to-face without its owner's permission, especially if you don't know the dog's history or temperament.
The news anchor's action may have been considered provocation, but it's impossible to say for certain without more information.
Dog Inflicts Bodily Harm
In New South Wales, causing a dog to inflict actual bodily harm on a person can lead to serious consequences. The maximum penalty for this offence is 5 years in prison.
Actual bodily harm is defined as any injury that is not transient or trifling, and can include significant bruising, cuts, and wounds that are not superficial.
If a dog inflicts actual bodily harm, the owner can be held responsible, even if they weren't present at the time of the incident.
If the incident occurred as a result of the dog being provoked, trespassing, defending itself or its owner, or in the course of hunting or working with stock, the owner may not be held responsible.
Restricted dogs, which include American pitbull terrier, Japanese tosa, dogo Argentino, and fila Brasiliero, have stricter penalties if they inflict actual bodily harm. In these cases, the maximum penalty increases to 5 years in prison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who would win in a fight between a Rottweiler and a Dogo Argentino?
A Dogo Argentino would likely have the upper hand in a fight against a Rottweiler due to its larger size and hunting prowess. However, a Rottweiler's tenacity and strength should not be underestimated.
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