4 Pit Bulls Chase, Injure Two People in Norfolk
On Sunday, August 31, 2026, around 2:30 p.m., four pit bulls got loose through a collapsed backyard fence on Lind Street in Norfolk, according to News 3 WTKR.
The dogs chased down two people, causing minor injuries. A nearby resident intervened and fired at the dogs, striking two of them.
Norfolk Police, along with the department’s Animal Protection Unit and forensic investigators, are looking into the incident, and the case will go to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office to determine whether charges are warranted.
It’s a frightening scene, and thankfully the injuries to the two people involved were reported as minor. But incidents like this happen more often than people expect, and they raise a question a lot of Hampton Roads residents don’t think about until it happens to them: who’s responsible when someone else’s dog attacks you?
Who’s Responsible When a Dog Gets Loose and Hurts Someone in Virginia?
In Virginia, a dog owner isn’t automatically on the hook the first time their dog hurts someone. Generally, you have to show the owner knew, or should have known, that the dog could be dangerous. A dog with a history of aggression, or one that had already shown warning signs like lunging or growling at people, would usually count.
But that’s not the whole story. If an owner breaks a local law meant to keep dogs contained (like letting them run loose or failing to keep a fence in working order) and that failure leads to someone getting hurt, the owner can still be held responsible. A fence that’s supposed to keep dogs in but collapses is exactly the kind of thing that can matter in a case like this.
What This Means If You’ve Been Attacked
If you or someone you love has been injured by someone else’s dog in Norfolk, Hampton Roads, or anywhere in Virginia, a few things matter right away:
- Medical attention: even if the injury looks minor, its always a good idea to see a doctor. Dog bites carry a real infection or rabies risk, and documentation from a doctor matters later if you pursue a personal injury claim.
- Report the incident: to local animal control or police so there’s an official record. They will also open an investigation and confirm the dog’s vaccination history.
- Take photos: document the injury as soon as you can and continue to take photos throughout the healing process.
- Contact an experienced attorney: consider contacting a Virginia dog bite lawyer to discuss your situation during a free consultation.
Most homeowners and renters insurance policies include liability coverage, and that coverage typically extends to injuries caused by the policyholder’s dog. In practice, that means a claim gets filed against the dog owner’s insurance company (the same way a claim would work if someone slipped and fell in their yard).
Insurance companies handle claims like this constantly, and their adjusters know the process better than the average person. That’s not a reason to be intimidated, but it is a reason to have someone in your corner who knows it just as well. An attorney can push back on lowball offers, negotiate, and deal with the insurance company directly so you don’t have to.
Experienced Norfolk Dog Bite Lawyers
Richard J. Serpe and Ashley E. Strandjord have extensive experience representing Virginians injured in dog attacks. Just check out some of our dog bite settlements and client reviews.
And like every case we take, there’s no legal fee unless we win or settle your case. Call 757-233-0009, use our chat, or email us to discuss your situation during a free consultation.