Every day in the United States 1,000 people who have been bitten or attacked by dogs are treated in emergency rooms. The majority of dog bite victims are children. Last year, 34 people died because of dog attacks; the costs related to these attacks is more than $1 billion annually. According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), the odds that the victim of a dog bite will be a child are 3.2 to 1. This means that over two-thirds of dog bite victims are children. If you have a pet, you may be interested to know that 61% of dog attacks occur at home or in a familiar place. Most of the time the dog that bites belongs to the victim’s family or friend. The most severe injuries are almost always inflicted on children who are younger than 10 years old. Children in this age group are generally bitten in the neck, head or face 77% of the time. Dog breeds most likely to cause fatal injuries Pit bulls and Rottweilers are the two breeds most likely to cause severe or life-threatening injuries. According to studies, Rottweilers were responsible for approximately half of dog bite related fatalities between the years of 1981 and 2010. Pit bulls were responsible for about a third of the dog bite related fatalities during that same time period. These breeds can be aggressive and capable of inflicting serious or fatal injuries. Other breeds known to cause serious or fatal injuries include German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, Alaskan malamutes and Akitas. If a dog is not one of these specific breeds, it can still bite or be dangerous. Any dog may bite or attack if it is trained to do so or if it has been treated harshly by its owner. Why do dogs bite?There are several reasons why a dog may bite or attack. Dominance is one cause of dog bites. When a family member attempts to take a piece of food, bone or other object from a dog or disturb it while it is resting, it may result in a bite. Other reasons dogs bite include:
- Children, other animals or anything small that moves in a rapid or jerking manner can result in a bite or attack, particularly if there is more than one dog.
- Protection of territory. Some dogs will bite when a stranger comes on to the family’s property, or when someone perceived as a danger approaches the owner of the dog.
- Pain or punishment. It is not unusual for a dog to bite when a stranger or family member tries to touch the dog when it is injured. Dogs may also direct aggression toward those who mistreat them by hitting, kicking or striking out at the dog.
- Fear. When a dog is already afraid, he/she may bite an individual who approaches quickly or comes too close to them.
Keep these things in mind and keep your family safe. Dog bites are not to be taken lightly; just because you own a breed that is not known to be aggressive does not mean that he/she will not bite or attack under certain circumstances. If you or a loved one have been bitten by a dog and suffered injuries, consult with an experienced Georgia personal injury lawyer. The Keener Law Firm offers skilled, aggressive legal counsel working to protect the rights of our clients. You can call us for a free, confidential consultation at: 770–955-3000
