Our mission of preserving the human-canine bond obligates us to be as accurate about these emotionally charged incidents as we can, so that they are calmly, correctly and, therefore, usefully understood. Accuracy takes time.

Dog bite-related human fatalities have always been exceedingly rare, yet they can attract the kind of publicity that creates an impression that they are more prevalent than they actually are. The annual total of such fatalities has risen and fallen with no discernible pattern or trend, even though the US canine population has continued its steady increase.

From year-to-year, the truth behind the tragedy remains consistent. As rare as dog bite-related fatalities are, they would be even rarer in the absence of reckless ownership practices, neglect and abuse. If there is anything that analysis of these isolated tragedies can teach us, it is that all dog owners have an unequivocal responsibility for the humane care (including proper diet, veterinary care, socialization and training), custody (including licensing and microchipping), and control of their dogs.

Reports on dog bite-related fatalities:

2011:

2011 NCRC Preliminary Report on Dog Bite-Related Fatalities.

2010:

2010 NCRC Final Report on Dog Bite-Related Fatalities.

2010 NCRC Preliminary Report on Dog Bite-Related Fatalities.

Special Report on Case Originally Reported as Dog Bite-Related Fatality (SC).

Special Report on Case Originally Reported as Dog Bite-Related Fatality (OH).

2009:

2009 NCRC Final Report on Dog Bite-Related Fatalities.

2008:

2008 NCRC Final Report on Dog Bite-Related Fatalities.

2007:

2007 NCRC Final Report on Dog Bite-Related Fatalities.