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Home » Consumer Information » Occupational Safety » Animal Control

Canines

Nearly 4.5 million dog bites are reported annually in the U.S., yet the majority of dog bites are never reported to local authorities. Dog bites are the second leading cause of childhood injury, and children make up 60% of dog bite victims.

Canine homicide is the death of a person caused by a dog attack. In 2007, there were 32 fatal dog maulings in the U.S., a number that has almost doubled over the past 20 years. A six-year study published by the medical journal PEDIATRICS found that of the of 109 bite-related fatalities 57% of the deaths were children under the age of ten and that 10% of the attacks involved sleeping infants.

A 2006 study by Merritt Clifton, editor of Animal People, Pit bulls, Rottweilers, Presa Canarios, and their mixes were responsible for 65% of the canine homicides that occurred during a period of 24 years. It is important to exercise extra caution around these breeds.

Male dogs are more dangerous than females, and chained dogs are often times more dangerous than dogs running loose. Docile dogs can become uncharacteristically violent when in a pack, so it is best to avoid packs of dogs. Dogs are very protective of their territory, so being in a yard with one or more dogs while their owner is not present is risky. In general, it is unsafe to approach a dog that you do not know, whether the owner is present or not.

There are several preventative measures that dog owners should take to reduce the chances of being bitten by a dog. These measures include:

  • Spaying or neutering pet dogs - This routine procedure will reduce aggressive tendencies and the need to roam and fight other dogs.
  • Socializing pet dogs - Introducing a dog to different situations and people of different sex, age, size, etc. familiarizes them with different social circumstances so that they are less likely to get scared and attack.
  • Dog training – Training aids in dog socialization and teaches dog owners how to appropriately handle their dogs. Every member of the household should learn the training techniques.
  • Teaching appropriate behavior – Dogs should not be taught to chase or attack, even for fun. If a dog exhibits dangerous behavior toward a person or other animal, seek help from a veterinarian, animal behaviorist, or dog trainer.
  • Responsible dog ownership – Dogs should be licensed and receive regular veterinary care, including vaccinations. Microchip dogs in case of escape, and don't allow dogs to roam alone. Dogs left alone in the backyard or chained for long periods of time often become dangerous.