Dog Bite Fact Sheet

-The Centers For Disease Control reports about 4.5 million dog bites each year. Only 1 in 5 bitten requires medical attention. In 2008, only 23 dog bites were fatal.

- The rate of dog-related injuries among children is decreasing according to research by the Centers For Disease Control.

-The American Veterinary Medical Association says that children between the ages of 5 and 9 are at greater risk of being bitten by a dog and also of being severely injured by that bite.

-The Humane Society of the United States cites a number of common factors in fatal attacks by dogs:

1. The animals are intact – not spayed or neutered – usually males
2. The animals are not well cared for (chained)
3. The animals are not pets, but animals used as guard dogs, in dog fights, etc.

-The CDC recommends the following steps to prevent dog bites in the home:

1. Spay or neuter your dog
2. Don’t play aggressive games with your dog (wrestling)
3. Properly socialize and train your dog
4. Never leave infants or young children along with a dog
5. Seek professional advice from a trainer or behaviorist if the dog develops aggressive or unwanted behaviors.

-In Fiscal year 2007-2008, Dallas Animal Services impounded and quarantined 1,947 dogs who had reportedly bitten someone. Of those, 106 (5%) were purebred pit bulls and only 281 (14%) were pit bull mixes. Compare that to the total number of dogs impounded – 36,500 – of which only 6% were purebred pit bulls and 19% were pit bull mixes.

-The AVMA warns that dog bites can result in criminal and civil liability for pet owners. Over the past 15 years, more than half the states have passed laws with stiff penalties for owners of dogs who cause serious injury or death. There is no such thing as a bad breed of dog. All dogs can bite if provoked. Responsible dog ownership is key.

Learn more: Visit the AVMA website at www.avma.org, the Centers For Disease Control at www.cdc.org, or the Humane Society of the United States at www.hsus.org. For information on dangerous dogs in the City of Dallas, visit www.dallasanimalservices.org. Find out more about Companions For Life at www.companionsforlife.org.