Pennsylvania
Are Dogs A Real Danger?
An Overview of Fatal Dog Attacks
Over the past 43 years (1965 - present) there have been 17 fatal dog attacks in Pennsylvania, or approximately one (1) fatality every 2 to 3 years.
At least eleven (11) different breeds/types* of dogs were involved in fatal attacks in Pennsylvania.
* One fatality is attributed to a pack of Wolf dogs.
The victims were: 3 adults and 14 children.
Children attempting to interact with chained dogs and infants left alone with unfamiliar dogs account for 75% of the fatal attacks on children in Pennsylvania.
Four of the children killed by dogs were infants that were left unattended with unfamiliar dogs.
Four older children were killed when they attempted to interact with chained dogs. Two of these cases involved entanglement of the chain. One boy was attempting to free an entangled dog and the other young boy became entangled in the dog's chain and was then attacked.
Despite the inceased human and canine population in Pennsylvania over the past four decades, the last decade (1997 - 2007) has seen a decreased number of fatal attacks as compared to previous decades:
- From 1964 to 1974: 4 fatal dog attacks
- From 1975 to 1985: 4 fatal dog attacks
- From 1986 to 1996: 5 fatal dog attacks
- From 1997 to 2007: 3 fatal dog attacks
- From 2008 1 fatal dog attack
In spite of reckless and inhumane ownership practices of some dog owners, dogs still pose an incredibly low risk for causing a fatality:
Fatal Dog Attacks in Pennsylvania as Compared to Other Selected Risks:
Snapshot of Pennsylvania: Year 2005
| Persons killed by dogs: | 0 |
| Death from contact w/ hornets, bees or wasps: | 2 |
| Fatal hunting accidents: | 3 |
| Persons killed by lightning: | 4 |
| Bicycle-related fatalities: | 21 |
| Persons drowned in swimming pools: | 39 |
| ATV-related fatalites: | 40 |
| Alcohol-related traffic fatalities: | 639 |
| Total traffic fatalities (alcohol & non): | 1,616 |
| Tobacco-related deaths: | > 20,000 |
Furthermore, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
In 2005, forty (40) Pennsylvania children died as the result of maltreatment (abuse or neglect).
In a SINGLE YEAR, nearly THREE TIMES as many Pennsylvania children died as a result of maltreatment (abuse/neglect) than the TOTAL of ALL children killed by dog attacks in Pennsylvania over the past 43 years.
So, are dogs a danger? Fact is, people in Pennsylvania routinely accept far greater risks from ATVs, swimming pools and bicycles than any that are associated with companion animals.
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