Dog bites: Alarming statistic shows it a national problem

News Editor - - Should we worry about dogbites these days?  Statistics show it is a national problem.

 Kenneth Phillips said several years ago we should worry about dog bites because they happen enough that people should take precautions to prevent being bitten by a dog and to know what to do if it happens.

First Philips provides us what he refers to as "some alarming statistics on canine attacks."

Phillips claims that around 1,000 people in the United States are treated for dog bites every day. Most of the victims that require medical attention are children, half of whom are bitten in the face. 

These are the specific statistics given in 2006 on dog bites as a national problem, according to one source., another legal firm:

• There are approximately 65 million dogs in the United States in 2006


• Of the 4.7 million people are bitten every year, 800,000 need medical attention


• Every day an estimated 914 people seek emergency medical treatment due to dog bites


• On average, between 15 and 20 people die each year from dog maulings


• Children are the most common victims of dog bites, and half of the injuries they suffer occur on the face


• Economic losses from dog bites regularly exceed $1 billion, only a third of which is covered by insurance


• Between 1979 and 1996 there were 304 fatal dog attacks


• Most (77%) dog bite injuries occur to the friends or family


• Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepard Dogs account for half of the fatal dog attacks between 1979 and 1998


• Dog bites rose 33% according to a study of a 7 year period in the 1990s


• There were 30 dog bite-related fatalities in California between 1979 and 1996


• In 2002 homeowner insurance claims paid on average $16,600 to victims of dog bites, up from $12,000 in 1998

For parents, this is strong warning, Phillips declares as he continues, "This should be an eye opener for parents, with authorities stressing the importance for guardians to watch over their children at all times where dogs may be present."

But what about the ordinary American neighborhood where it appears quiet and well-maintained.  Phillips tells us not to be fooled and that, "Even in reasonably peaceful neighbourhoods and suburban environments a dog can strike. There are certain characteristics of dogs you should keep clear of, such as if they are in a pack, tied up or chained or if they are in their own yard with no master present. These circumstances usually result in uncharacteristically violent behaviour in dogs, and parents should be wary of this" explains Brian Spieler, a dog bite lawyer.

So what does a person do if attacked?  The best advice is, "If ever somebody is attacked they should seek immediate medical attention and consider their options in pursuing compensation for damages they may be entitled to."  That is, unless the whole thing can be resolved between neighbors, one would suppose, as that too can happen.

In 2014 the problem continued.  On the other hand, those who work with specific breeds, such as pit bulls, point to research that shows there are no specific breed behaviors that are reflected in the statistics surrounding dog bites.

They tell us most of the dog bites occur because of how dogs are mistreated in many cases.  They may be tightly chained or physically punished in ways that increase aggression, leading to a fear of humans by dogs who are worried they will be mistreated.  They claim that dog bites are a human, not a dog, problem.

In any case, dog bites remain a serious problem.  Each year 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs and 1 in 5 require medical attention for them.