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New Jersey

Are Dogs A Real Danger?

A National Canine Research Council Perspective Report

Over the past 43 years (1965 - present) there have been nine (9) fatal dog attacks in New Jersey, or approximately one (1) fatal attack every five (5) years.

At least five (5) different breeds/types of dogs have been identified as having been involved in a fatal attack in New Jersey.

The victims were: 1 adult and 8 children.

More than half (n=5) of the child victims of dog attacks in New Jersey were infants left unattended with unfamiliar dogs.

Since 1970, New Jersey's population has increased by over 1 million people. Despite the increase in both the human and dog population, the number of fatal dog attacks in New Jersey have remained the same or decreased each decade since the 1970s:

             Fatal Dog Attacks in New Jersey by decade:

                      1975 to 1985:      3 fatal attacks

                      1986 to 1996:      3 fatal attacks

                      1997 to 2007:      1 fatal attack

                      2008 -           :      1 fatal attack

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 New Jersey as Compared to Other Selected Risks:

Snapshot of New Jersey:                 Year 2005

Persons killed by dogs:          0
Child hyperthermia deaths (left in hot cars):          2
Death from contact w/ hornets, bees or wasps:          2
ATV-related fatalities:         10
Persons drowned in tub or swimming pool:         17
Bicycle-related fatalities:         20
Alcohol-related traffic fatalities:       284
Total traffic fatalities (alcohol & non):       747
Tobacco-related deaths:   11,300
 

Furthermore, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

In 2005, thirty (30) New Jersey children died as a result of maltreatment (abuse or neglect).

In a SINGLE YEAR, 2005, more than THREE TIMES as many New Jersey children died from maltreatment (abuse or neglect) than the TOTAL of ALL children killed by dogs in New Jersey over the past 43 years.

 So, are dogs a danger?  The fact is, that people in New Jersey routinely accept far greater risks from ATVs, bicycles, and swimming pools than any that are associated with companion animals.

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