300 Killed by Pit Bulls Since 1998

Think about your biggest animal fears. Some people are terrified of spiders. Others might be afraid of sharks or bears. But the most dangerous animal might be closer to home than many may realize. Since 1998, pit bulls have killed nearly 300 U.S. citizens.

That’s just one of the takeaways from the research recently released by dogsbite.com and the Center for Disease Control. 28 of those deaths occurred in 2015 alone. Whatever your feeling on the breed might be, it’s undeniable that pit bulls are more likely to viciously attack and kill than other kinds of dogs. Pit bulls and rottweilers were responsible for 91% of the total recorded dog bite deaths last year. From 2005 to 2015, it is estimated that pit bulls kill one American every 17 days.

Compare these statistics with other animal attacks we fear. If you’ve ever gone camping, you might have feared running into a bear on your midnight trip to the bathroom, but the Journal of Wildlife Management reports only one or two deadly bear attacks per year on average. Sharks are another predator that haunt our nightmares, but they’re even less lethal than bears, with only one fatal bite every two years. These two fearsome beasts are the stuff of horror movies, yet the most dangerous animal at all might lie in our next door neighbor’s yard.

While it’s true that most dogs live up to their reputation as man’s best friend, not all canines can be inherently trusted. We can’t underestimate the damage these dogs can do when they are angry, scared or feel threatened. Ultimately, even the most trusted of family pets can turn vicious when they feel unsafe. Talk with your children about how to avoid unfamiliar dogs and how to read the body language of a pup who might be ready to attack. Always make sure your own dogs are on a leash when out of the house, and avoid petting dogs you don’t know well.

Virginia Dog Bite Lawyer

A dog bite is a devastating experience, especially when the victim is a small child. Sadly, many of those that we represent are innocent children. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, we may be able to help you. Contact us today at 877-544-5323 to setup a free consultation to discuss your situation.

 

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