New York Dog Bite Statistics

New York Dog Bite Statistics

New York Dog Bite StatisticsIf you have been injured after being bit by a dog, you know how stressful and traumatic this experience can be. Contrary to popular belief, dog bites are more common than you think. Here is some information on New York dog bite statistics. Contact the Humble Law Offices today to arrange a free consultation for your personal injury case.

New York Dog Bite Statistics

Though the New York is the state with the third-fewest dog owners, coming behind only Massachusetts and Connecticut in terms of dog ownership rate, about three out of every ten households in New York are home to at least one dog. This means that the Empire State has a dog population of several million, with almost half a million dogs in New York City alone. New York state law does not put a limit on how many dogs a person or family can own, so it is not uncommon to find multiple dogs in a single household. These statistics together show that New York State as a whole is a dog-friendly region, with dogs far and wide treated as members of many families.

New York Dog Bite Statistics

Between 2005 and 2017, there were 433 fatalities across the United States due to dog bites, 39 of which occurred during the year 2017 alone. Almost two-thirds of these deaths followed an attack by a pit bull, a breed with a notorious reputation. However, because “pit bull” is often used as an umbrella term for all dogs descended from both terrier and bulldog breeds, and because it is common for mixed-breed dogs resembling real pit bulls to be labeled as pit bulls, it remains unclear whether the pit bull breed is in reality statistically more likely to be involved in dog bite attacks. Despite measures such as breed-specific legislation gaining in popularity as a means of limiting attacks by breeds seen as inherently more of a threat to public safety, the American Veterinary Medical Association strongly encourages against the labeling of particular breeds as more dangerous than others. The National Canine Research Council (NCRC) has further found that breed-specific legislation is ineffective, recommending responsible pet ownership as the most humane path towards curbing and preventing dog bites.

New York Dog Bite Statistics

Most of the statistics available about dog bite attacks focus on bite-related fatalities, but death is one of several possible outcomes following a dog bite. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 4.5 million dog bite incidents are reported each year, and of these, the NCRC states that 81 percent cause negligible injuries or no injury at all. Approximately 19 percent do require medical attention, but no hospitalization is needed. Less than one-tenth of one percent of dog bite attacks are serious, and only about 0.0006% of dog bites are in fact deadly. Despite the extremely low fatality rate, however, the fact that one in five dog bite attacks does result in moderate to serious injury is no laughing matter. Infections such as MRSA, tetanus, and rabies can take hold, so it important for all victims of dog bite attacks to see a doctor as soon as possible if the bite has broken the skin.

If you are seeking dog bite compensation, contact our experienced Jamestown dog bite lawyer today to schedule a free consultation. If you have any concerns about how to proceed with a legal claim against the owner of the dog that attacked you, Jamestown dog bite lawyer Scott Humble would be glad to provide you with the help and support that you need.

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