New Hampshire
Are Dogs A Real Danger?
A National Canine Research Council Perspective Report
Over the past 43 years (1965 - present) there have been two (2) fatal dog attacks in New Hampshire, or approximately one (1) fatality every 21 years.
Two different breeds/types of dogs were involved in the fatal attacks in New Hampshire.
The victims were: 2 children.
Both cases involved a young unsupervised child and a single dog.
New Hampshire has not had a fatal dog attack in over 14 years (1993).
In spite of the negligent or dangerous ownership practices of some dog owners, dogs still pose an incredibly low risk for causing a fatality:
Fatal Dog Attacks in New Hampshire as Compared to Other Selected Risks:
Snapshot of New Hampshire: Year 2005
| Persons killed by dogs: | 0 |
| Persons drowned in tubs or swimming pools: | 1 |
| Bicycle-related fatalities: | 4 |
| ATV-related fatalities: | 6 |
| Alcohol-related traffic fatalities: | 61 |
| Total traffic fatalities (alcohol & non): | 166 |
| Tobacco-related deaths: | 1,800 |
According to the U.S. Department of Heatlh and Human Services:
In 2005, two (2) New Hampshire children died as the result of maltreatment (abuse or neglect).
In as SINGLE YEAR, 2005, two New Hampshire children died from maltreatment (abuse/neglect) as compared to the two dog attack fatalities in the state over the past 43 years.
*Additionally, over the past 43 years, more people have been killed in New Hampshire by fireworks (n=3) than by dogs.
So, are dogs a danger? Fact is, people in New Hampshire routinely accept far greater risks from bicycles, ATVs and swimming pools than any that are associated with companion animals.
www.nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com