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| Dog Bite Statistics | Northern Virginia Attorney for Dog Attack Victims |
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Remember the old saying, "the numbers never lie?" Well, the numbers we are about to reveal will very likely shock you. According to a recent survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers' Association there are currently almost 75 million dogs in the USA. The National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the "CDC") in Atlanta, Georgia has indicated that dogs bite or attack nearly 2% of the U.S. population, which translates into more than 4.7 million people every year. This last statistic means that you or a family member has a one in 50 chance of being bitten by a dog each year! As a result of the previously mentioned number of dog bites, nearly 800,000 were serious enough to require medical attention. In fact, almost 368,000 bite/attack victims were required to seek care at a hospital emergency room. These statistics are even worse for children, as dog bites are among the top 5 reasons children are forced to go to hospital emergency departments. The CDC has reported that male children, under the age of 14, were more likely than female children of the same age to sustain an injury from a dog bite. After the age of fourteen there was only a minor difference in the number of dog attacks on boys and girls. Also, the statistics show that the younger the child, the more likely that injury from the bite will be sustained to the head and neck. Now get ready to be really shocked... In 2007, there were 32 fatal dog attacks in the US, including 1 here in Virginia. When data is analyzed for the last 30 years, it is very clear that number of fatalities resulting from dog attacks is on the rise. In fact, the previously mentioned 32 deaths in 2007 is approximately 200% greater than the average over the last two decades. What Are the Most Dangerous Dog Breeds? According to a study recently completed by Merritt Clifton, editor of Animal People, Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Presa Canarios and their mixes are responsible for 74% of attacks as a whole and 68% of the attacks upon children. In his study, Mr. Clifton states, "Pit Bulls and Rottweilers are dogs who not only must be handled with special precautions, but also must be regulated with special requirements appropriate to the risk they may pose to the public and other animals, if they are to be kept at all." What makes this data even more compelling is that in almost 70% of the cases included in the study, the injurious behavior or fatal attack was among the first known "dangerous" behavior by the offending dog. (This fact rebuts most dog owner's favorite comment, "Oh, he won't bite you. He's harmless.") Where Do Most Dog Bites and Attacks Occur? According to a 2007 Insurance Information report, more than 50% of the bites occur on the dog owner's property. Whose Dogs Are Attacking Victims? Nearly 80% of dogs perpetrating attacks or biting folks are owned or controlled by the victim's family or a friend. If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite or animal attack, contact The Parrish Law Firm for a free consultation. We will use our experience, knowledge and resources to achieve the best possible results for you and your family. |