39 people were killed by dogs in the year 2017. That is the news from a nonprofit victims’ advocacy group. They have recently published a report on the number of people killed last year. The 39 contribute to an overall figure of 433 deaths caused by violent dog attacks in the last thirteen years.
Pit Bulls, Rottweilers and German Shepherds
Three breeds made up the vast majority of the fatal attacks included in the report: pit bulls, Rottweilers and German Shepherds. While any dog can lash out violently, these three breeds are frequently to blame for serious injuries. While a Chihuahua may be as prone to bite as any other breed, they are likely to do far less damage than a dog multiple times its size. While scientists may not all agree, some believe the bully breeds like pit bulls are genetically more likely to attack than other kinds of dogs.
Circumstances are Everything
The report details more than just the number of fatalities attributed to violent dogs in a year. It also tracks the details surrounding the tragic attacks. Surprisingly, a majority of the attacks were caused by family pets who lashed out against their owners. Rehomed pets contributed to the figures, too, with 15 percent of incidents involving rescued or rehomed dogs. While the numbers do not paint a complete picture of the problem, they do give us a peek inside the dangerous trend.
Virginia Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Lawyers
If you’ve been in injured in an accident, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer about your legal rights. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims injured by the negligence of another for over 30 years. If you’d like to setup a free consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact us today 877-544-5323.
