Tennessee
Are Dogs A Real Danger?
A National Canine Research Council Perspective Report
Over the past 43 years (1965 - present) there have been 21 fatal dog attacks in Tennessee or, on average, one (1) fatality every two years.
At least ten (10) different breeds/types of dogs have been idenitified as participating in a fatal attack in Tennessee.
All the dogs involved in fatal attacks in Tennessee were intact (not spayed or neutered).
The victims were: 8 adults and 13 children.
More than half (n=7) of the children killed by dogs in Tennesee were attacked when they attempted to interact or approached a dog maintained on a chain or dogs kept in backyard kennels or pens.
One adult victim was killed by an on-duty K-9 police dog. The dog was sent into an auto dealership by his police officer handler, and upon locating a man hiding inside, the dog inflicted a fatal bite to the throat. (Nashville, 1984)
Two other adults were killed due to the extreme negligence and dangerous ownership practices of their neighbors:
In 1990, E. Hill's dogs already had a long history of aggressive behavior, which included an attack on the owner's mother, an attack on the owner himself, and a severe attack on a neighbor's dog. Yet, in June 1990, the owner allowed his dogs to run loose again. The dogs attacked and killed a 57-year-old neighbor as she was walking to her mailbox.The owner was convicted of criminally negligent homicide and served five months on a two-year sentence.(Memphis)
In 1996, an elderly woman was hospitalized after her neighbor's dog attacked her on her own back porch. A month later, the same dog, along with another belonging to the same owner, attacked the woman in her front yard - this time fatally. The owner was convicted of criminally negligent homicide and received a 1-year-sentence. (Lauderdale County)
In spite of the reckless, negligent and dangerous ownership practices of some dog owners, dog still pose an incredibly low risk of causing a fatality:
Fatal Dog Attacks in Tennessee as Compared to Other Selected Risks:
Snapshot of Tennessee: Year 2005
| Persons killed by dogs: | 0 |
| Persons killed by lightning | 1 |
| Fatal hunting accidents: | 2 |
| Child hyperthermia deaths (left in hot car): | 2 |
| Death after contact w/ hornets, bees, or wasps: | 5 |
| Persons drowned in tubs or swimming pools: | 16 |
| Bicycle-related fatalities: | 20 |
| ATV related fatalities: | 29 |
| Alcohol-related traffic fatalities: | 473 |
| Total all traffic fatalities (alcohol & non): | 1,270 |
| Tobacco-related deaths: | > 4,100 |
Furthermore, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
In 2005, thirty-four (34) Tennessee children died as the result of maltreatment (abuse or neglect).
In a SINGLE YEAR, 2005, more than TWO TIMES as many Tennessee children died as a result of maltreatment (abuse or neglect) than the TOTAL of ALL children killed by dogs in Tennessee over the past 43 years.
So, are dogs a danger? The fact is, people in Tennessee routinely accept far greater risks from ATVs, bicycles and swimming pools than any that are associated with companion animals.
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