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A dog bite attack affects nearly five million people in the U.S. every year. Of the five million people victim to dog bite attacks, 334,000 require emergency treatment at hospitals. People have differing opinions on dog bite attacks and laws that should address them. Though the number of deaths attributed to dog bite attacks every year remains around a dozen, the high number of nonfatal attacks is often gruesome and serious.
Laws pertaining to dog bite attacks vary depending on the state and the community within that state. Some dog bite attack victims would like to see certain breeds of dogs banned, like in England, Australia, Denmark and Singapore. Of the 199 reported dog bite attacks resulting in fatalities between 1979 and 1996, pit bulls followed by the Rottweiler accounted for the majority of deadly accidents.
Some people think that this is reason to put into place dog bite attack laws that do not allow certain breeds, but other people think that the problem is with training the dogs. Any loose dog can potentially cause a dog bite attack. Though certain breeds do have a more aggressive nature, experts in the field say that the essential factor in dealing with certain breeds is understanding how to train the dogs to be socialized among people.
Washington, D.C. has passed local legislation classifying pit bulls and Rottweilers as “dangerous,” requiring the dogs to be muzzled in public. Larger dogs are capable of more serious and fatal dog bite attacks because of their bone snapping jaw pressure, but dogs like cocker spaniels frequently bite people though it is not as newsworthy so people never hear about these dog bite attacks.
Owners of dog bite attacks are facing larger and larger repercussions. From increased fines, to potential jail time, communities are trying to reduce the number of dog bite attacks. Some victims of dog bite attacks will even take legal action against the owner.
Since children are most often the victims of dog bite attacks, residents in fear of their children’s safety want to see more responsibility taken for the potentially serious events. Local councils and police forces are re-evaluating local ordinances governing animal controls and how to improve them. Some communities have staff shortages with local kennels, resulting in a long response time when dog bite attacks are reported.
Although having more efficient reactions to dog bite attacks can help reduce the severity of the injuries, prevention and education must also exist. There are certain behavioral practices that can be followed to better ensure certain actions do not set off a dog bite attack. Dogs can interpret things like direct eye contact as a challenge or being touched around the head, neck or back, which can set off a dog bite attack.
Knowing what to do if a dog bite attack occurs is also important. While instinctually people will want to run, this can only add to the chase element. Remaining calm and unthreatening can put an end to a potential dog bite attack, but if a person is brought down to the ground, curling up into a ball and protecting your head and face will minimize injuries, and the dog will likely become bored and leave.
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