It happened in a split second — right after a reassurance that everything was fine.
According to a report from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, a man was bitten by a dog while helping remove furniture, suffering puncture wounds to his leg.
The man told deputies he had traveled to the area to deliver and remove furniture and believed family members at the home were assisting with the process. He said a white-and-brown pit bull was nearby, and before the bite occurred, he expressed concern about the dog being too close.
He told deputies he was assured the dog was friendly and that he had “nothing to worry about.” Moments later, the dog bit him on the left leg.
After the incident, the man reported that the homeowner was cooperative and offered to clean and bandage his wounds.
Deputies later confirmed the incident occurred in Chesapeake and identified the dog’s owner as . Deputies spoke with him by phone, and he agreed to be cited in the matter.
A citation for dangerous dog was issued, and he is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.
When Warnings Come Too Late
Deputies say many bite incidents happen after someone voices concern — only to be reassured moments before an attack. Even dogs considered “friendly” can react unpredictably, especially around unfamiliar people and activity.
💬 Should dog owners be held responsible the moment someone expresses concern — or only after a bite happens?
