Local Artist Penny Duncklee Seriously Injured In Las Cruces Dog Attack Near her home On 2nd Street
LAS CRUCES, CALIFORNIA (March 30, 2022) – A local painter identified as Penny Duncklee was seriously injured in a Las Cruces pit bull dog attack by her home on Second Street.
Santa Barbara County police officials are saying that the attack took place around 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Penny Duncklee was attacked by two pit bull-type dogs.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the dog attack in order to help the victim. Penny Duncklee was taken to the hospital with serious injuries and her right hand below the elbow had to be amputated.
Las Cruces police officials are still unsure where the dogs are at this time. A full investigation into the attack remains ongoing.
Liability In Las Cruces Dog Attacks
There are more than 50,000,000 dogs that live in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 800,000 people are injured in dog attacks and required medical attention every year. That means that around 1 out of every 73 people will be bitten by a dog every year. Pit bulls make up only around 6% of the dog population, but they account for 68% of all attack and 52% of all dog-related deaths since 1982. There are a number of signs to look out for that indicate a dog might attack.
- Changes in posture
- Showing teeth
- Barking or growling
- Lunging
- Nipping
Dog owners in California are held strictly liable in the event that their dog attacks someone. Pursuant to California Civil Code 3342, “The owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.” Victims of dog attacks tend to suffer very serious and costly injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Infections
- Amputations
- Crushing injuries
- Organ damage
Dog attacks survivors are often plagued with long-term post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Any person that is injured in a dog attack may be able to seek some measure of justice through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A dog bite injury attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Las Cruces Dog Attack
We at TorkLaw extend our best wishes to Penny Duncklee as she continues to recover from this horrific attack. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. The person that owns these dogs should do the right thing and come forward. It’s never too late to do the right thing.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Las Cruces dog attack? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We are committed to helping victims get the medical and financial support that they need in order to recover. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support after an attack we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
