I love my dog and I am sure that you do too. Over 300 million people in the United States and over 76 million dogs live in 38% of U.S. households. One of the consequences of owning a dog is the responsibility to care for and be in control of that dog.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur each year. In 2018, nearly 27,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery as a result of being bitten by a dog. Each day, almost 1,000 persons are treated in hospital emergency departments for nonfatal dog bite-related injuries.
According to the data, Pit Bull Terriers are relatively more likely to attack an unknown individual and without provocation than any other dog. From 2005 to 2018, Pit Bull attacks have caused 311 deaths to humans. The next most dangerous dog causing deaths is a rottweiler, causing 47 deaths in that period of time. Statistics may suggest that Pit Bulls are dangerous. However, that is not the message I intend to send by writing this blog.
I have represented many people who have been seriously injured by dog bites and many of those dog bites have been from by Pit Bulls. However, common in every one of those cases is that those bites were caused by the negligence of the dog owner, and not caused by the breed of the dog.
Clearly, Pit Bulls, Rottweilers and German Shepherds given their size, strength, and physical agility are capable of causing more harm when they bite. So, in the hands of a careless owner, those dogs are in fact dangerous. But, in the hands of a careful and conscientious owner, those dogs are as safe as any other dog.
The common elements of dog owner negligence I have seen in the cases I have handled are the following:
- The owner does not provide the dog with socialization with other humans and dogs
- There is improper training or violent training with the use of shock collars or other means which scare or hurt the dog
- The dog is permitted to escape the home, uncontrolled, regularly
- Kids are left alone with dogs for long periods of time (children can unintentionally irritate a dog and provoke an uncharacteristic reaction).
- There is often domestic violence or domestic upheaval in the home
All dogs have the cognition of a three-year-old child. The dog is primarily concerned first with safety, then with food and water, and only after those things are satisfied, interaction with humans. A dog bites because the dog is afraid. If the dog is taught fear, that is the reaction it will have with other dogs and humans.
A responsible, safe owner regularly walks and/or exercises their dog, socializes them, and creates a safe environment in the family home.
