Investigators believe two pit bulls dogs are responsible for the death of 20-year-old Carter Delaney, whose body was found in his Leesburg home, The Washington Post reported earlier this week.
Delaney’s body was discovered in the basement of his home at 121 Plaza St. in Leesburg with the body of a dead dog. Two more live dogs – American Pit Bull terriers, according to WLTX-TV – were found in the home and taken to Loudoun County Animal Care and Control.
Authorities told the Post that Delaney died from puncture wounds consistent with dog bites found on his body. The two pit bulls are also believed to have killed the third dog, a mixed-breed pug. That dog belonged to Delaney’s mother, while the pit bulls reportedly belonged to Delaney’s brother.
The dogs were euthanized at the request of the family.
"We are thinking of the family involved, respecting their privacy and giving them time to mourn," Laura Rizer, community outreach manager for Loudoun County Animal Care and Control, told the Post.
While fatal dog attacks are rare – authorities said this was the first such incident in Loudoun County that anyone could remember – they do happen. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of 16 people a year are killed by dogs.
According to the CDC, 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs annually; one in five (885,000) require medical attention, and 31,000 people require reconstructive surgery.
The CDC has this safety advice for avoiding dog bites:
– Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
– Do not run from a dog or scream.
– Remain motionless when approached by a strange dog.
– Do not disturb a dog sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
– Avoid direct eye contact.
About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm (VA-NC law offices ) edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, as well as the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono service to consumers. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY, who handle car, truck, railroad, and medical negligence cases and more.
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