Watch out for Biting Dogs, Mother Hens and Falling Cows
From lumbering, wild farm animals to cute and cuddly household pets, animals serve several purposes in our lives: providing love and companionship, improved health and sometimes even food. But cute and cuddly, domesticated or wild, animals can sometimes be dangerous—a fact many people don’t take seriously enough.
Domesticated Animals
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year. Sometimes it’s because a stranger approaches and startles or threatens them. Other times, they’re simply defending their owners or property.
Cats can also hurt people by scratching or biting unexpectedly, sending their owners or visiting friends to the emergency room. Additionally, they can transmit diseases that make others ill and cause more serious health issues, leading to doctor bills and hospital visits that an insurer may or may not cover.
Regardless of the reason, pets that injure others can create financial and insurance issues for homeowners or renters, who are always liable for their pets’ actions.
The Wild Variety
Household pets aren’t the only animals that can injure. Farm animals are also a source of wounds people may not expect—and sometimes their actions are anything but an accident.
For example, when confused or threatened, many cows, horses, goats, turkeys and pigs will stomp, kick, spit, head-butt or bite. That’s why it’s important for anyone nearby to signal their presence by speaking; approach animals from the front; and avoid making loud noises or sudden movements that will startle them.
Mother animals with newborns are especially sensitive to the presence of humans. If she suspects her babies are being threatened, a mother hen, fox or goat may attack suddenly, catching a passerby totally unaware. If someone gets hurt, it will be the responsibility of the property owner or his insurance company to pay the medical bills.
The Unexpected
Sometimes accidents happen. Take for instance the case of a man we’ll call “Farmer Brown.” Innocently milking his cows one morning on his dairy farm in Florida, one of Farmer Brown’s Jersey cows accidentally fell on him, pinning him to the ground. Not seriously injured, he was transported to a hospital some distance away.
But Farmer Brown was lucky. His injuries were mild, and he was released later that day.
In another strange case, a cow wandered off a cliff and smashed onto a minivan below, narrowly missing killing its occupants.
On further observation, the cow, which weighed about 600 pounds, had fallen nearly 200 feet before smashing onto the car’s hood, demolishing the vehicle and breaking the windshield. Somehow, Charles Everson Jr. and his wife, Linda, escaped harm—and were glad to be alive.
Can you imagine trying to explain that to your car insurance company?
Staying Protected
Whether a rancher with a gaggle of farm animals or a homeowner with a house full of dogs and cats, you’re responsible for your animals’ actions. That’s why it’s important to buy insurance coverage that protects your home and wallet.
Complete your quote request today, and talk to a licensed insurance agent. You’ll get the protection you need—and keep you and your animals covered.
