Louisiana
Are Dogs A Real Danger?
A National Canine Research Council Perspective Report
Over the past 43 years (1965 - present) there have been six (6) fatal dog attacks in Louisiana, or an average of about one (1) fatality every 7 years.
Four different breeds/types of dogs have been identified as participating in the fatal attacks in Louisiana.
All the dogs involved were intact (not spayed or neutered).
The victims were: 2 adults and 4 children.
Two cases involved children being killed by their parents' backyard breeding dogs.
One adult victim was an owner trying to capture his loose dog. The dog bit his owner in the thigh, severing his femoral artery and the man bled out before assistance could arrive.
In spite of the negligent ownership practices of some dog owners, dogs still pose an incredibly low risk for causing a fatality:
Fatal Dog Attacks in Louisiana as Compared to Other Selected Risks:
Snapshot of Louisiana: Year 2005
| Persons killed by dogs: | 0 |
| Child hyperthermia death (left in hot car): | 1 |
| Death after contact w/hornets, bees or wasps: | 1 |
| Persons killed by lightning: | 2 |
| Persons drowned in swimming pool: | 15 |
| Bicycle-related fatalities: | 20 |
| ATV-related fatalities: | 26 |
| Alcohol-related traffic fatalities: | 439 |
| Total traffic fatalities (alcohol & non): | 963 |
| Tobacco-related deaths: | 6,400 |
Furthermore, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
In 2005, twenty-one (21) Louisiana children died as the result of maltreatment (abuse or neglect).
In a SINGLE YEAR, 2005, FIVE TIMES more Louisiana children died from maltreatment (abuse/neglect) than the TOTAL of ALL chilren killed by dogs in Louisinia over the past 43 years.
So, are dogs a danger? Fact is, people in Louisiana routinely accept far greater risks from bicycles, boat, ATVs and swimming pools than any that are associated with companion animals.
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