I was bitten by a dog – and I want to make sure it doesn`t bite anyone else, but I hate to think I will be responsible for having it put down. If I notify the authorities and hire an attorney, what will happen to the animal?

Reporting the attack will not automatically result in the dog`s demise. The court can review the facts of your attack as well as any other activities to determine if the animal is “potentially dangerous” or “vicious”. This determination will help guide what happens to the animal – the owner may be required to build a fence or pen to keep it restrained. An experienced attorney will not take any action you haven`t requested, so simply hiring a lawyer does not in any way make it more likely that the dog will be put down – an attorney will simply help see that your rights are protected.