Recent Fatal Dog Attacks in South Carolina

DogsBite.org - South Carolina suffers from a disproportionate fatal dog attack rate. With a population of only 4,321,249, the state still had 4 fatal attacks in the past three years, two of which occurred in Dorchester County in 2007, all of which are attributed to pit bull type dogs. Compare this to 6 fatal attacks (each also attributed to pit bulls) in the State of California -- which is nearly 9 times as populated -- and you see the disturbing imbalance.

• John Matthew Davis, 10-years old, Dillon County - pit or bulldog-mixes (6)
• Allen L. Young, 22-months old, Bamberg County - pit bulls (4)
• Brian Palmer, 1-year old, Dorchester County - pit bull
• Holden Jernigan, 2-years old, Dorchester County - pit bull

Of the four attacks, all involved pit bull type dogs; 0% involved chained dogs; 50% involved more than two dogs, and 100% involved charges being brought against the dog owner. The U.S. average of charges being brought after a fatal attack (between January 2006 to December 2008) is about 20%. Two of South Carolina instances included Involuntary Manslaughter charges and the other two involved Unlawful Conduct Towards a Child charges.

Related articles:
02/03/09: Scranton, South Carolina Resident Asks Council Members for Pit Bull Ban
01/31/09: 2006 Fatality: John Matthew Davis, Killed by a Pack of Pit-Mixes?
09/02/08: Pit Bull Severs Artery in 4-Year Old's Leg in Oconee County