A new report with thirteen years of data has revealed shocking trends about dog bites in America. Dogsbite.org has released their findings, including the statistic that 433 people have suffered fatal dog bites since 2005. The report breaks down these attacks by breed, with pit bulls responsible for 66 percent of the fatalities. Rottweilers followed, with 11 percent and German shepherds came in third at 5 percent.
The data revealed more than just details about breed habits. The age of victims involved tells another aspect of the story. About half of all fatalities were under the age of nine years old. Of all age groups, children aged 0-2 years were the most likely victims. About 27 percent of people killed in the thirteen year time span fell in that age range.
Other interesting findings in the report include:
- About half of the attacks involved more than one dog
- 25 percent of attacks happened off of the dog owner’s property
- About half of the attacks involved a family pet killing a household member
- About 20 percent involved the death of someone new to the household
- 16 percent of deadly attacks involved a babysitter, grandparent or other “outsider” watching a child
- 54 percent of deadly dog attacks occurred in the Southern half of the U.S.
- Texas was the leading state for deadly dog bites, with 54 in the last 13 years
Interestingly, only about 21 percent of all attacks resulted in criminal charges against the dog owner. Knowing these statistics, parents should think twice about allowing large dogs near their children. Whether at home or in public, even with a watchful eye, such dogs can lash out violently.
Virginia Dog Bite Lawyer
The Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, PC has helped victims of personal injuries for over 30 years. If you were attacked by a dog because of someone else’s negligence, contact us for a free consultation.
