Dog Bites States and Solutions
Despite public perception to the contrary (often based on media
reports), serious dog bites are relatively rare, and no particular breed
is more likely to be responsible for them. A publication issued by the
U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Community-Oriented Policing
Services examined statistics and circumstances related to dog-related
incidents, and is formulating more effective strategies to improve
public safety.
Study Summary:
"The Problem of Dog-Related Incidents and Encounters"
looks at the circumstances related to dog bites and related incidents,
focusing more on behaviors than breeds. It notes, for example:
•
In 2007, of the 2,158 bites reported to the County of San Diego
Department of Animal Services, only 7.4 percent were classified as
“serious.” (Source: San Diego Department of Animal Services, Dog Bite
Data from Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2007.)
• In a two-year period, from
2007–2008, there were 2,301 dog bites reported to the Indianapolis
Department of Public Safety–Animal Control. Only 165 (7.2 percent) of
these reported bites were classified as “severe.” The 165 severe bites
were inflicted by 34 different breeds of dogs. (Source: Indianapolis
Department of Public Safety– Animal Control, Dog Bite Data from Jan.1,
2007–Dec. 31, 2008.)
• In 2007, only 10 (5.5 percent) of all
the reported dog bites in Washington, D.C., were classified as severe.
The 10 severe bites were inflicted by nine different breeds of dogs.
(Source: Government of District of Columbia, Bureau of Community
Hygiene, Animal Disease Prevention Division, Dog Bite Data from Jan.
1–Dec. 31, 2007.)
Policy Implications:
Serious
dog bites tend to receive a disproportionate amount of news coverage,
but in fact they are relatively rare. The implications are many, but
center on so-called dangerous dog ordinances as well as Breed-Specific
Legislation (BSL). This study shows that no breed is more likely to bite
than other breeds; given that dog bites are an important measure of
aggression, this further suggests that BSL is unjustified.
However,
it's important to note that dogs do occasionally bite. This report
acknowledges that danger to law enforcement officers can be mitigated by
recognizing the environmental factors that lead to dog bites, and by
addressing the factors that would cause dogs to act aggressively due to
fear or other potentially avoidable circumstances.
See more information from the Humane Research Council and in the ASI's policy paper, Dog Bites: Problems and Solutions.
- Che Green, Humane Research Council (12/07/2011)
Published by admin on 12/26/2011 10:36:01
