Mississippi
Are Dogs A Real Danger?
A National Canine Research Council Perspective Report
Over the past 43 years (1965 - present) there have been seven (7) fatal dog attacks in Mississippi, or approximately one (1) fatality every 6 years.
At least six (6) different breeds/types of dogs have been identified as participating in a fatal attack in Mississippi.
All the dogs involved in fatal attacks in Mississippi were intact (not spayed or neutered).
The victims were: 1 adult and 6 children.
The two most recent fatalities in Mississippi were cases of unsupervised, young (15-mo.-old and 3-yr.-old) children approaching chained dogs. Both cases also involved owners who kept multiple dogs on chains in their backyards.
In spite of the reckless and negligent ownership practices of some dog owners, dogs still pose an incredibly low risk for causing a fatality:
Fatal Dog Attacks in Mississippi as Compared to Other Selected Risks:
Snapshot of Mississippi: Year 2005
| Persons killed by dogs: | 0 |
| Death from contact w/bees, hornets or wasps: | 1 |
| Persons killed by lightning: | 1 |
| Fatal hunting accidents: | 1 |
| Bicycle-related fatalities: | 6 |
| Persons drowned in bathtub or swimming pool: | 16 |
| ATV-related fatalities: | 26 |
| Alcohol-related traffic fatalities: | 390 |
| Total traffic fatalities (alcohol & non): | 931 |
| Tobacco-related deaths: | > 4,700 |
Furthermore, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
In 2005, fourteen (14) Mississippi children died as the result of maltreatment (abuse or neglect).
In a SINGLE YEAR, more than TWICE as many Mississippi children died from maltreatment (abuse/neglect) than the TOTAL of ALL children killed by dog attacks in Mississippi over the past 43 years.
So, are dogs a danger? Fact is, people in Mississippi routinely accept far greater risks from ATVs, bicycles and swimming pools than any that are associated with companion animals.
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