DogsBite.org Releases Annual Dog Bite Fatality Statistics; Pit Bull Fatalities Rise in 2013 and Other Annual Trends
In 2013, 32 dog bite-related fatalities were recorded. Pit bulls and their mixes contributed to 78% (25) of these deaths, a 28% rise from 2012.
Austin, TX, January 20, 2014 --(PR.com)-- On January 20, DogsBite.org, a national dog bite victims' group dedicated to reducing serious dog attacks, releases 2013 dog bite fatality statistics. Of the 32 U.S. fatal dog attacks that occurred in 2013, pit bulls contributed to 78% (25) despite comprising an estimated 6% of the total U.S. dog population. This is a 28% rise from 2012. The next closest dog breeds were bullmastiffs and German shepherds, each contributing to 2 human deaths.
Annual data from 2013 shows that the combination of pit bulls (25), rottweilers (1) and bullmastiffs (2) accounted for 88% of all dog bite-related fatalities. The two bullmastiff-mixes were littermates that inflicted death within a 6-month period in the State of Arkansas. On June 9, Ayden Evans, 5-years old, was attacked and killed by a bullmastiff-pit bull mix in Jessieville. On November 21, Joan Kappen, 75-years old, was killed by a similar dog in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas.
Visiting Dog Owner's Home and Babysitters
In 2013, over one-third, 38% (12), of all dog bite fatality victims were either visiting or living temporarily with the dog's owner when the fatal attack occurred, up from 32% in 2012. Of these 12 fatalities, 92% (11) were inflicted by pit bulls; children 7-years and younger accounted for 83% (10) of the deaths; and 58% (7) involved a babysitter, including a family member or friend under the directive to watch a child 7-years or younger. All 7 of these child deaths were inflicted by pit bulls.
California led the nation in lethal dog attacks in 2013 with 5 deaths. 100% were attributed to pit bulls and 60% resulted in criminal charges. Texas followed with 4 fatal dog attacks; 0% resulted in criminal charges. Arkansas and South Carolina each incurred 3 fatal dog attacks. Several states incurred 2 fatal dog attacks, including: Arizona, Georgia, Illinois and Ohio. The State of Washington, which had been free of dog bite fatalities for over 8-years, suffered one death in 2013.
Read More: 2013 U.S. Dog Bite Fatality Statistics from DogsBite.org
About DogsBite.org
DogsBite.org is a national dog bite victims' group dedicated to reducing serious dog attacks. Through our work, we hope to protect both people and pets from future attacks. Our website, www.dogsbite.org, was launched in October 2007 and contains a wide collection of data to help policymakers and citizens learn about dangerous dogs. Our research focuses on pit bull type dogs. Due to selective breeding practices that emphasize aggression and tenacity, this class of dogs negatively impacts communities the most. Our website hosts important dog bite studies, U.S. dog bite fatalities and other key bibliographies. In the Legislating Dogs portion of our site, we offer examples of breed-specific laws (state-by-state) and documentation of the constitutionality of these laws. The Victim Realities section provides a glance into the unforgettable histories victims leave behind and much more. DogsBite.org operates out of Austin, Texas and can be contacted via: 512-650-8510 or press@dogsbite.org. Research contributions and active website participation stems from individuals that span the United States of America and across the world.
Annual data from 2013 shows that the combination of pit bulls (25), rottweilers (1) and bullmastiffs (2) accounted for 88% of all dog bite-related fatalities. The two bullmastiff-mixes were littermates that inflicted death within a 6-month period in the State of Arkansas. On June 9, Ayden Evans, 5-years old, was attacked and killed by a bullmastiff-pit bull mix in Jessieville. On November 21, Joan Kappen, 75-years old, was killed by a similar dog in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas.
Visiting Dog Owner's Home and Babysitters
In 2013, over one-third, 38% (12), of all dog bite fatality victims were either visiting or living temporarily with the dog's owner when the fatal attack occurred, up from 32% in 2012. Of these 12 fatalities, 92% (11) were inflicted by pit bulls; children 7-years and younger accounted for 83% (10) of the deaths; and 58% (7) involved a babysitter, including a family member or friend under the directive to watch a child 7-years or younger. All 7 of these child deaths were inflicted by pit bulls.
California led the nation in lethal dog attacks in 2013 with 5 deaths. 100% were attributed to pit bulls and 60% resulted in criminal charges. Texas followed with 4 fatal dog attacks; 0% resulted in criminal charges. Arkansas and South Carolina each incurred 3 fatal dog attacks. Several states incurred 2 fatal dog attacks, including: Arizona, Georgia, Illinois and Ohio. The State of Washington, which had been free of dog bite fatalities for over 8-years, suffered one death in 2013.
Read More: 2013 U.S. Dog Bite Fatality Statistics from DogsBite.org
About DogsBite.org
DogsBite.org is a national dog bite victims' group dedicated to reducing serious dog attacks. Through our work, we hope to protect both people and pets from future attacks. Our website, www.dogsbite.org, was launched in October 2007 and contains a wide collection of data to help policymakers and citizens learn about dangerous dogs. Our research focuses on pit bull type dogs. Due to selective breeding practices that emphasize aggression and tenacity, this class of dogs negatively impacts communities the most. Our website hosts important dog bite studies, U.S. dog bite fatalities and other key bibliographies. In the Legislating Dogs portion of our site, we offer examples of breed-specific laws (state-by-state) and documentation of the constitutionality of these laws. The Victim Realities section provides a glance into the unforgettable histories victims leave behind and much more. DogsBite.org operates out of Austin, Texas and can be contacted via: 512-650-8510 or press@dogsbite.org. Research contributions and active website participation stems from individuals that span the United States of America and across the world.
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DogsBite.org
Colleen Lynn
512-650-8510
https://www.dogsbite.org
Colleen Lynn
512-650-8510
https://www.dogsbite.org
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