38 Fatalities Occurred in 2012 As a Result of a Dog Attack

Posted on February 12, 2013

The number of dog bite fatalities which occurred last year is compiled and examined in a new report.  In many cases, the deaths can be attributed to pit bulls, who make up the lion’s share of the attacks.  This comes despite laws in many states placing regulations and prohibitions on owning such animals.

Throughout all of 2012, 38 people were killed because they were attacked by a dog.  Pit bulls were responsible for all but 15 of those fatalities.  The rest of the deaths came as the result of an attack by a rottweiler, a German shepherd, a mixed breed, or some other type of dog.

Our own state of California has the dubious distinction of having more deaths than any other state but North Carolina.  Four people died in each state.  Only seven of the incidents led the owner of the animal to be charged in a criminal court, despite the fact that 31 of the 38 fatalities actually happened on the dog owner’s premises.

The threat becomes even more apparent when considering the period of time between 2005 and 2012.  In that eight year timespan, pit bulls contributed to the deaths of 151 United States citizens, with rottweilers accounting for 32 deaths.

Here’s a list of the most vicious dog breeds in 2012:

  • Pit Bulls- 23 fatalities (63%)
  • Rottweilers- 3 (8%)
  • German Shepherds- 2(5%)
  • Mixed Breeds- 2 (5%)

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