Dogs bite hundreds of adults and children every
year. While some injuries are minor, many more are serious and can lead to death.
There are many breeds of dog that are more than capable of
causing serious injury
and death and are highly sought after as pets. The statistics are surprising:
- Almost 5 million people are bitten by dogs annually
(roughly 2% of the population)
- 800,000 of those bitten need medical attention
- 1,000 of those bitten need emergency room or hospital
treatment
- Between 15-20 of those bitten die
- Most victims are children
- The face is the most frequent target
Some of the more dangerous dog breeds include:
- Pit Bulls
- Rotweillers
- Doberman Pinchers
- Huskies
- German Shepherds
- Chows
The medical cost associated with dog bites is astounding,
but the emotional costs can be even higher. Victims who survive often become afraid
to go for walks or ride their bikes for fear of another attack. They even become
skittish around dogs that are restrained.