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New Mexico

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 New Mexico or approximately one (1) fatality every six (6) years.

At least five (5) different breeds/types* of dog have been identified as participating in the seven (7) fatal attacks in New Mexico.

* Note: Two (2) of the fatal attacks in New Mexico were inflicted by Wolf dogs - This is noted due to the fact that Wolf dogs are not a domestic dog, and arguably should not be grouped alongside domestic dogs in statistics on fatal attacks without an acknowledgement to the "wolf" component of the animal's make-up.

The victims of dog attacks in New Mexico were: 3 adults and 4 children.

Two out of the four children killed by dogs were killed when they attempted to interact with chained dogs.

Of the adults killed by dogs:  One adult was killed attempting to break up a fight between her son's dogs. Another adult was intoxicated and became the victim of a large pack of dogs. The third adult victim trespassed onto the owner's property and is believed to have released the resident dog from a pen.

In spite of the reckless and dangerous ownership practices of some dog owners, dogs still pose an incredibly low risk for causing a fatality:

Fatal Dog Attacks in New Mexico as Compared to Other Selected Risks:

Snapshot of New Mexico:      Year:  2005

Persons killed by dogs:        0
Bicycle-related fatalities:        8
Persons drowned in swimming pool:       11
ATV-related fatalities:       11
Alcohol-related traffic fatalities:      193
Total traffic fatalities (alcohol & non):      488
Tobacco-related deaths:   2,100

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

In 2005, twelve (12) children died as the result of maltreatment in New Mexico.

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

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

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