Return to your topic: Criminal penalties for dog bites
Felony conviction for mayhem where an injury is especially serious
If as a result of a dog attack, the victim is disabled, disfigured or loses part of his or her face or body, it is possible that a conviction of mayhem may follow if the person handling the dog intended that such injury would result.
For example, the California Penal Code states:
203. Every person who unlawfully and maliciously deprives a human being of a member of his body, or disables, disfigures, or renders it useless, or cuts or disables the tongue, or puts out an eye, or slits the nose, ear, or lip, is guilty of mayhem.
204. Mayhem is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for two, four, or eight years.
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