Missouri
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 Missouri, or approximately one (1) fatal dog attack every three (3) years.
At least nine (9) different breeds/types of dogs have been involved in the 14 fatalities.
The victims were: 4 adults and 10 children.
All ten (10) children were killed after being left alone with the dog(s) or the child had wandered off and approached an unfamiliar dog.
Half the children victims were killed by dogs that were maintained on chains or inside pens.
All the dogs involved in fatal attacks in Missouri were intact (not spayed or neutered).
A number of cases involved poorly maintained dogs and/or children living in a high risk environment.
In 2003, T. Swindler received a 1-year sentence for endangering the welfare of a child after her 3-year-old son climbed in to the pen of the resident dog and was attacked and killed. Autopsy results revealed the child had both human and canine bite marks on him.
In spite of the abusive and dangerous ownership practices of some dog owners, dogs still pose an incredibly low risk for causing a fatality:
Fatal Dog Attacks in
Snapshot of Missouri: Year 2005
| Persons killed by dogs: | 1 |
|
Persons struck by lightning: |
2 |
| Death after contact w/ hornets, bees or wasps: | 3 |
| Fatal hunting accidents: | 3 |
| Bicycle-related fatalities: | 8 |
| Persons drowned in bathtub or swimming pool: | 13 |
| ATV-related fatalities: | 29 |
| Alcohol-related traffic fatalities: | 535 |
| Total traffic fatalities (alcohol & non): | 1,257 |
| Tobacco-related deaths: | > 10,300 |
Furthermore, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
In 2005, 42 children died as a result of maltreatment (abuse/neglect) in Missouri.
In a SINGLE YEAR, more than FOUR TIMES as many So, are dogs a real danger? In fact, people in Missouri routintely accept far greater risks from ATVs, bicycles, and swimming pools than any that are associated with companion animals.
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