Dogs are one of the most popular pets around the world. Although almost everyone has had contact with a dog at some point in their lives, few people understand the danger that lurks in the heart of man's best friend. There is currently a dog bite epidemic sweeping the United States. The 65 million dogs in America will bite 4.7 million people this year, and 800,000 will require serious medical attention. That is almost 1,000 people a day; nearly 2% of the entire population.
Sadly, most of the victims of dog bites are young children between the ages of seven and 15. Statistics show that almost all severe dog-inflicted injuries occur on children under the age of 10, and most of the dogs that attack people are known to the victim and belong to a family or friends.Although any dog can become dangerous if mistreated or abused, there are some breeds of dog that tend to attack more often than other breeds. According to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control between 1979 and 1996, the top three breeds that attacked and killed the most people are Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepard Dogs. These three dogs accounted for more than all the other canine-related deaths combined. Other dangerous dogs that are likely to kill people include Doberman Pinchers, Huskies, Chows, and Saint Bernards.
It is important to remember that any dog is potentially dangerous. In 2000, a Pomeranian mauled to death its family's six week old baby, even though the dog weighed only four pounds. The incident took place while the girl's uncle prepared a bottle for her in the kitchen, and when he returned the dog was viciously attacking the baby. Dogs evolved from powerful predators, and despite thousands of years of socialization and modern techniques of training and discipline, they retain their base instincts and reactions. While this is expected and even rewarded in some breeds, it is quite a shock when smaller and less aggressive dogs attack and kill people.Dog bites cost Americans billions of dollars every year in insurance premiums, medical bills, and lost time from work.
In fact, in 1995, the insurance industry paid out over $250 million in settlements for dog bites. By 2001 this amount had risen to $310 million, and by 2002 insurance companies were paying out $345.5 million to victims of dog attacks. Although costs dipped a bit to $321.
6 million in 2003, most dog bite experts agree that the costs associated with dog bites will begin to rise in the years to come. All told, victims of dog bites in the United States suffer an average of $1 billion each year in total economic losses.
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By: Todd Going
