In early August, a woman in Fayetteville, North Carolina, was attacked by pit bull terriers while out for an afternoon walk. Dog attacks such as this one are quickly gaining national attention and spurring continued debate about leash and dog attack laws.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs every year. While 1,000 people per day are treated in emergency rooms for dog-bite-related injuries, some attacks are more fatal. So far in 2010, there have been at least 21 dog-attack-related deaths, and many of the victims have been small children.
Some Dog Breeds are More Aggressive Than Others
While people deal with the real-world concerns of these dog attacks, certain realities about breeds and aggression are paramount. Pit bull terriers, like in the Fayetteville woman's case, account for a disproportionate number of dog attacks and fatalities. This breed makes up only about five percent of over eight million dogs in the United States.
Pit bulls are not the only breed associated with attacks or fatalities. Akitas, boxers, bulldogs, bullmastiffs, chow chows, German shepherds, huskies, Rottweilers and some mixed breeds top the list of more dangerous breeds as well.
Reducing the Risk of Being Bitten by a Dog
Dog bites are often a preventable health issue, and education is the key to reducing risk for being bitten. Since the higher incidents of dog bites occur with family pets, adults should consider several things before bringing a new pet home, including the breed's history of aggressiveness, and if it is an older dog, the pet's specific background.
Controlling situations in the community is a bit more precarious. When encountering the dog of a stranger or neighbor, always proceed with caution. Dogs that are agitated or uncomfortable will persistently bark, growl and even back away.
Many localities have leash laws that make owners more responsible for their pet's wanderings, but as it relates to dog bites, criminal liability may be based on the owner's awareness of his or her dog's aggressive behavior. If you or a loved one are bitten by a dog, notify the dog's owner and seek medical advice.
The human cost of this problem includes emotional and physical harm to American citizens. With financial burden of dog attacks exceeding $1 billion dollars per year, dog bites are more than just a health concern; they are a public safety concern as well.
