U.S. Fatal Dog Attacks Accelerate During First Part of Year (January 1, 2014 to April 11, 2014)

DogsBite.org - In the first 101 days of this year, 16 Americans were killed by dogs. On average, that is a fatal attack inflicted by a canine every 6.3 days in the U.S. since January 1. Pit bulls and their mixes are responsible for 69% (11) of these deaths. Pit bulls alone have an average kill rate of every 9.2 days during this period. Followed by the only other dog breed to inflict more than one death so far in 2014, bullmastiffs 13% (2). Three other dog breeds have inflicted one death.

If this rate continues, there will be 58 human fatalities inflicted by dogs by the end of 2014, nearly double the national annual average of 31.5.

During the first 101 days of 2014, 38% (6) of all fatalities occurred in Texas and 69% (11) occurred in the Southern United States. Four states with established anti-BSL laws made up 56% (9) of all deaths: Texas, Illinois, New Jersey and California.1 Victim information shows that females made up 75% (12) of the deaths during this period; half were ages 55-years and older. Despite loose dogs accounting for 50% of all fatalities, no felony criminal charges were filed during this period.

Texas Dog Bite Victims' Advocacy - Join our Texas email list to stay informed

1California is considered a "partial" anti-BSL state. It only allows breed-specific ordinances to regulate the spay/neuter status of dogs. Specific breeds cannot be banned, declared dangerous or potentially dangerous.