On Thursday, April 9, 2026 in Puyallup, Washington, a 12-year-old boy was riding his bike near his home when a dog suddenly charged and attacked him without provocation.
The boy tried to escape, running and screaming as the dog repeatedly jumped on him. A passing driver intervened by honking, getting out of the car, and stepping between the boy and the dog, ultimately scaring the dog away.
The incident was captured on a neighbor’s home security camera. Footage shows the boy riding along West Pioneer Avenue when the dog knocks him off his bike.
According to police, Metro Animal Services took custody of the dog on Saturday after the owner surrendered it to animal control.
Can the Dog Owner Be Held Liable?
Under tort law, a dog owner may face "strict liability" for any injury caused by their dog. This means that the owner can be held responsible for a dog attack even if they weren’t careless or didn’t know the dog had a tendency to bite.
In this case, neighbors reported that the dog had a history of multiple incidents and was typically chained to the bumper of a van parked in front of the home. This situation could be considered owner negligence due to lack of proper supervision and the dog’s history.
If you have been attacked by a dog, it is important to have a personal injury attorney review your case.
Speak to an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Today
Getting bitten by a dog can be traumatic for everyone involved in the incident. If you have been bitten or your dog has harmed someone, it is important to connect with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. GLP Attorneys has supported clients with their personal injury cases for nearly four decades and has experience achieving justice for clients who have been injured by animals, products, in car accidents, and more.
If you have been injured in an accident, call our attorneys at 800-273-5005 or email us at to schedule a free lawyer consultation.
