• 03
  • August
    2011

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), dogs bite 4.7 million Americans each year. One in five victims requires medical attention for dog-bite injuries. Some may require extensive reconstructive surgery or nerve-damage repair. Still, other dog attacks are fatal. So far in 2011, more than 11 dog attack-related deaths have occurred, and many of the victims have been small children.

In 2000, the health-care and prevention watchdog completed a 15-year study on the issue. For the 239 deaths reported from 1979-1994, the CDC found that pit-bull-type dogs are linked to the most human fatalities. In more recent years (2006-2008), this popular, and often most abused, breed accounted for 59 percent of the fatal dog attacks on humans.

Pit-bulls are not the only breed associated with attacks or fatalities. Rottweiliers, German shepherds, husky-type dogs, malamutes, Doberman Pinschers, Chows, Great Danes, and Saint Bernards, wolf hybrids and mixed breeds are at the top of the CDC list as well. The list does not eliminate any breed as having the potential for harming humans.

Dog bites are a preventable health issue. Because family pets are involved in a great number of attacks, adults should consider the temperament and history of breeds before bringing a new canine pet home.

Community control issues are a bit more complicated. When encountering a stranger's or neighbor's dog, adults and children should always proceed with caution. Dogs that are agitated or uncomfortable give off warnings. Persistent barks, growls and even backing away are clear signs to avoid. Also, adults should be aware of leash and animal control-related laws, and report aggressive or roaming dogs to authorities.

Dog owners also should be aware that they play perhaps the most important part in the safety equation. Proper education, training, supervision and care of their dogs can reduce the likelihood of bites. The CDC's findings note that almost one-third of the dog-bite cases resulted from owned dogs roaming off their owner's property.

The human cost of dog bites cannot be measured when considering the human loss. However, experts report that the financial burden of dog attacks exceeds $1 billion per year. Still, many of these tragedies can be prevented through strict compliance with animal control laws, dog-owner education and heightened parental supervision.

If you or your child has been seriously injured in a dog attack, seek immediate medical attention and then contact a reputable personal injury attorney. Insurance companies often try to quickly resolve a dog-bite claim when the extent of the injuries is still unknown. Do not sign anything unless you have first consulted an experienced lawyer.

Source: abc2news.com, "Which dogs are most likely to kill humans?" June 6, 2011.