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Massachusetts

Are Dogs A Real Danger?

A National Canine Research Council Perspective Report

Over the past 43 years (1965 - present) there have been five (5) fatal dog attacks in Massachusetts, or approximately one (1) fatality every 8 years.

Three different breeds/types of dogs were identified as being involved in a fatality in Massachusetts.

The victims were: 1 adult and 4 children.

One of the victims was an infant left unattended with a dog. The other three children killed by dogs were visiting at a relative's or friend's home and attacked by the resident dog.

Unlike most fatal dog attacks throughout the country, the majority of cases in Massachusetts did not involve serious abuse, neglect or recklessless on the part of owners or parents. Four of the five cases were either unforeseeable accidents or accidents in which a low level of negligence may have contributed.

The fifth case involved an intact chained male dog, with at least five previous owners, attacking a 1-year-old child visiting at the residence with his mother.

In spite of the negligence of some dog owners, dogs still pose an incredibly low risk for causing a fatality:

Fatal Dog Attacks in Massachusetts as Compared to Other Selected Risks:

Snapshot of Massachusetts:                  Year 2005

Persons killed by dogs:         0
Bicycle-related fatalities:         6
ATV-related fatalities:         9
Persons drowned in tub or swimming pool:        14
Alcohol-related traffic fatalities:       186
Total traffic fatalities (alcohol & non):       441
Tobacco-related deaths:     9,000

Furthermore, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

In 2005, eight (8) Massachusetts children died as a result of maltreatment (abuse or neglect).

In a SINGLE YEAR, 2005, TWICE as many Massachusetts children died from maltreatment (abuse or neglect) than the TOTAL from ALL dog attacks in Massachusetts over the past 43 years.

So, are dogs a danger?  Fact is, people in Massachusetts routinely accept far greater risks from bicycles, ATVs, boats and swimming pools than any that are associated with companion animals.

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