Kentucky
Are Dogs A Real Danger?
A National Canine Research Council Perspective Report
Over the past 43 years (1965 - present) there have been 14 fatal dog attacks in Kentucky, or approximately one (1) fatality every 3 years.
At least ten (10) different breeds/types of dogs have been identified as participating in a fatal attack in Kentucky.
The victims were: 3 adults and 11 children.
All the dogs involved in fatal attacks in Kentucky were intatct (not spayed or neutered).
A number of dogs involved in fatal attacks in Kentucky were treated severely, abused, or suffered from injuries or disease.
In 1993, a stray, diseased dog was found by a man and brought to a relative's home. The relative didn't want the dog and chained the dog to the side of a barn, not bothering to give the animal food or water. Two days later the chained dog attacked and killed a 4-year-old boy playing in yard near the dog. (Shelby County)
A number of Kentucky owners failed to take humane care and control of their own dogs, thereby allowing their dogs to become a danger to others:
In 2002, L. Laster was convicted of Reckless homicide after her chained dog attacked and killed a 5-year-old boy playing in the neighboring yard. (Wickliffe)
In 2005, A. Ferguson was convicted of harboring dangerous dogs and received a 1-year sentenced after his dogs got loose and killed a man in an alleyway. (Louisville)
In spite of the abusive, negligent and dangerous ownership practices of some dog owners, dog still pose an incredibly low risk for causing a fatality:
Fatal Dog Attacks in Kentucky as Compared to Other Selected Risks:
Snapshot of Kentucky: Year 2005
| Persons killed by dogs: | 2 |
| Child hyperthermia deaths (left in hot car): | 2 |
| Persons killed by lightning: | 3 |
| Persons drowned in tub or swimming pool: | 11 |
| Bicycle-related fatalities: | 13 |
| ATV-related fatalities: | 49 |
| Alcohol-related traffic fatalities: | 311 |
| Total traffic fatalities (alcohol & non): | 985 |
| Tobacco-related deaths: | 7,700 |
Furthermore, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
In 2005, twenty-nine (29) Kentucky children died as the result of maltreatment (abuse or neglect).
In a SINGLE YEAR, 2005, nearly THREE TIMES as many Kentucky children died from maltreatment (abuse or neglect) than the TOTAL of ALL children killed by dogs in Kentucky over the past 43 years.
So, are dogs a danger? Fact is, people in Kentucky routinely accept far greater risks from bicycles, ATVs and swimming pools than any that are associated with companion animals.
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