Dog Bite Fatalities Surged in 2021; a 69% Increase from 2019
DogsBite.org - Last September, we published the 2020 Macro-Level Forces Report for U.S. dog bite fatality data. During 2020, the first Covid year, our nonprofit had a 15-victim deficit compared to CDC Wonder underlying cause of death (UCD) data, a 28% difference in the number of deaths. The victim deficit during the second pandemic year is even higher. CDC Wonder data shows there were 81 dog bite fatalities in 2021. Our nonprofit only recorded 52 deaths, a 44% difference.
81 fatal dog attacks in a single year are the most ever recorded by CDC data. This is a 69% increase from 2019 and a 131% increase from 2018.
Prior to these two pandemic years (between 2005 and 2019), the largest deficit of unreported deaths our nonprofit had compared to CDC data was 4 each for the years of 2005 and 2010. During the 2021 Covid year, there was a deficit of 29 unreported deaths. The disparity during the second year of the pandemic is greater than the first year, even though media reports only fell by 35% in 2021, compared to falling 47% in 2020 from the pre-Covid baseline year of 2019.
A regional breakdown of dog bite fatalities in 2021 shows that the South and West had the most unreported deaths. According to CDC data, 51% (41 of 81) of the victims in 2021 were ≥ 45 years old. Our nonprofit only captured 20 of these deaths, 49%. However, we already knew the 50 and older age group was underrepresented in media reports. We discussed this disparity in the 2020 discussion notes (Comparing 15-Year Data Sets - DogsBite.org Data and CDC Wonder Data)
Related report:
2021 Macro-Level Forces Report: CDC Dog Bite Fatality Data Compared to Nonprofit
U.S. dog bite fatalities during the 2021 pandemic crisis by Census region and age group.
Characteristics of Unreported Fatal Dog Attacks (2005 to 2021)
Over the last decade, we have uncovered 20 unreported deaths through FOIAs or other means. The most likely unreported fatal dog attack from 2005 to 2021 is an adult ≥ 40 years old (14) killed in an attack involving a single or pair of pit bulls (12 of 14) in an urban area (11 of 14) within a state that prohibits or limits breed-specific laws. Of the 20 total deaths, 80% (16) involved pit bulls, and of that, 75% (12 of 16) involved a single or pair of family pit bulls killing a household member.
80% (16) of the total unreported fatal attacks involved family dogs killing a household member, and 70% (14) involved a single dog attacking.
During 2021, the 2 unreported deaths we uncovered involved infants in a rural area. Both infants were killed by a male family dog, a pit bull, and an American bulldog. Of the 5 total unreported deaths of children, including the ones just mentioned, 3 were killed by pit bulls, and 2 were killed by American bulldogs. The only other unreported death -- outside of the 14 deaths in the ≥ 40 years age group -- is a 21-year old male who was killed by his roommate's pit bull in 2017.
Nonprofit dog bite fatality data compared to CDC Wonder data over 17 years (2005-2021).
Discussion
Initially, the chart appears to reflect the pandemic kicked off a visible increase in year-to-year deaths. However, the largest increase is from 2018 to 2019, a 37% rise, which occurred pre-Covid. From 2019 to 2020, there was a 29% rise in deaths, and from 2020 to 2021, there was a 31% rise. The chart also shows that during the 37% rise in deaths from 2018 to 2019, our capture rate was not impeded. When Covid-19 macro-forces erupted in 2020, our capture rate declined.
The chart also shows that between 2005 and 2018, the average number of deaths per year captured by our nonprofit was 33.79, compared to CDC Wonder data of 33.64. The annual number of deaths during the period gradually increases but otherwise has slight variation. After two years of Covid conditions, between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021, the average number of deaths captured by our nonprofit rose to 49.5, and CDC Wonder data shot up to 71.5.
Thus, one must ask what happened between 2018 and 2021, when the number of deaths per year rose by 131% (from 35 CDC Wonder deaths to 81)? The number of dog bite fatalities increased during that period much faster than from 2005 to 2018. After years of annual deaths in the 30s range, CDC data skips deaths in the 50s range and skips deaths in the 70s range. CDC data shows that in 2019, there were 48 deaths; in 2020, 62 deaths; and in 2021, 81 deaths.
Pre-Covid Trends
In our nonprofit's data, several trends were rising before 2019. Between 2005 to 2018, the ages and genders of victims between the first and third periods (2005-2009 and 2015-2018) show that the percentage of fatal dog attacks involving adults, 50-69 years old, rose 82%. This rise was largely driven by females, 30-49 years old, which rose 108%, and females, 50-69 years old, which rose 91%. During this same period, the percentage of fatal attacks involving pit bulls rose by 30%.
While the number of "known" rescue dogs involved in dog bite fatalities is relatively small, the percentage of people killed by rescue dogs jumped from 2% of fatal dog attack victims during the first period (2005-2009) to 14.7% during the third period (2015-2018). Owner-directed deadly dog attacks rose from 10% during the first period to 16.8% during the third period. Those were some trends heading into 2019, which began the steep ladder increase in CDC data from 2019 to 2021.
Covid 2021 Conditions
By mid-April 2021, over 200 million Covid vaccines had been administered in the U.S., according to the CDC. Stay-at-home orders were over, and indoor gatherings and air travel had rebounded. Possible Covid conditions contributing to the disparity of 29 unreported dog bite fatalities in 2021 aren't as straightforward as in 2020. Though there continued to be a reduction in media reports and a reduction of media releases from police, which impacted our ability to capture more deaths.1
Previous report:
Trends: 14 Years of U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities in 3 Periods (2005 to 2018) - DogsBite.org
Summary
During the 2021 Covid year, there was a 35% reduction in dog bite fatality media reports, according to our citations. There was a surge in unreported fatal dog attacks, 29 deaths, and a rise in the total number of fatalities to 81 -- the highest ever recorded in CDC wonder data. This is a 69% increase from 2019 and a 131% increase from 2018. Victims ≥ 45 years old accounted for the most unreported fatal dog attacks, and most attacks occurred in the South and West regions.
Given the increase of fatal dog attacks during pre-Covid 2019 and the surge that followed, we predict another rise in unreported deaths in 2022.
Though there was a significant increase in deaths during the 2020 and 2021 Covid years, the growth began ramping up in 2019. The largest increase occurred between 2018 and 2019, with a 37% rise in dog bite fatalities. What drove that growth likely continued through the Covid years, combined with being impacted by Covid conditions (2- and 3-fold increase in dog bites2). At the same time, our nonprofit's capture rate declined due to lowered media reports instigated by Covid.
2At least in pediatric studies. No studies about adult dog bite injuries during the pandemic have been published so far. | Dixon, et al., Dog Bites in Children Surge during Coronavirus Disease-2019: A Case for Enhanced Prevention, J Pediatr, 2020 Oct; 225: 231–232. | Tulloch et al., Paediatric emergency department dog bite attendance during the COVID-19 pandemic: an audit at a tertiary children’s hospital, BML Pediatrics Open, 2021;5:e001040.
Related articles:
09/23/22: 2020 Macro-Level Forces Report: Covid Impacts of Dog Bite Fatality Capture Rate
01/12/22: 2021 Fatal Dog Attack Breed Identification Photographs - DogsBite.org
SO MANY neighbors around me got a dog, or two during the lockdown. Our local shelter had zero dogs to adopt. And I see more pits than ever, and some being walked by older (60’s) slightly built women. I don’t see these higher trending death numbers going down in the near future.
Same here. I’m one of the few pet-free residents of my neighborhood, and that was true before the COVID era.
Short take: Keeping animals in captivity just isn’t my thing.
As for big, powerful dogs being walking by small women and by children, I’m seeing much more of that. No point in trying to talk to any of these people. A lot of them view themselves as rescuers, and how dare I speak against such a noble thing?
This isn’t going to end well. I think we’re going to see much higher dog bite-related fatalities for the foreseeable future.
My friend’s 3 year old great grandson just had reconstruction surgery on his arm. Reason? Need I mention that the family pit turned on him. At least he’s still alive.
I see that too – women 50+, typically overweight and not visibly particularly strong, walking pit bulls. Rescue is a favored hobby for this gender/age group.
Great report, Colleen. Thanks for all your hard work on this!
A 131% increase in dog mauling fatalities from 2018 to 2021. Not surprised given the general atmosphere change in stores since before the pandemic.
Corporate America has allowed a free-for-all attitude about pitbulls and other Dangerous Dogs. Some of the worst offenders in my area are Home Depot, Kroger-owned stores and Costco. Before long, there may be a dog mauling fatality in these stores. Perhaps these retailers will then realize what poor store policies they have promoted.
Pitbulls in grocery stores. Idiotic.
As always, Colleen, insightful and precise reporting. Yes, where I live, the dog population exploded during covid. I also see women and children being dragged down the street with “rescued” pits and pit mixes. Corporate America is right onboard. In fact, a woman was recently bit in the face at Home Depot by a fake “service” pitbull. Most of the media will not cover these attacks. Their viewers and advertisers will attack them if they do. ANYthing that sheds a negative light on dogs especially is avoided. I’m leaving a link here about a woman in England who had her arm ripped off by a shelter pitbull. She’s suing the shelter for $200,000 (pounds) because they did not reveal this dog’s previous aggressive behavior. Shelters need to be sued and businesses that allow dangerous dogs. Hit them all in the wallet!
https://www.ladbible.com/community/dog-owner-suing-rspca-200k-bulldog-mauled-704270-20230420
Several years ago an American visited England, Ireland and Scotland. I read his/her comprehensive comment that none of the dogs were leashed, even though they appeared to be lagging behind their owners. “I was especially horrified in London, where the traffic is so terrible.” The commenter mentioned that America has leash laws.
The comment came in response to an article that reported Princess Anne’s bull terriers (the pitbull with the bullet-shaped head) had once again bitten someone. No action apparently taken by British first responders.
I do not understand so many things around bulldogs, pitbull dogs, stafordish dogs …
I do not understand a SMILE on the face of that woman with one arm missing. ( No one to blame, perhaps… ups ! I am now handycaped and I am going to sell it – Someone else is to blame, NOT THE DOG, NOT ME! Never me , why should I assume anything… what possibly go wrong … )
And I do not understand – what is the motiv behind the desire to get one of this dogs. Their beauty is definitely not the main reason, because they are lacking that caracteristic obviously. They look nasty to me, man made creature with the potential lethal properties. They are suppose to be nasty , dark fascinators with the strong message – do not mess with me – the Ego maniac the owner- selfish being who do not bother to think 6 minutes ahead about the consequences when things go wrong , and they obviously do , more then once.
Arm ripper bulldog is not just looking evil – it is evil in deed.
I am currently in Germany. People here are devoted to their dogs. Mix breeds are the most often seen. Every dog is on the leash , taken out two or three times a day , well walked and socialized. There are NO stray dogs at all here.
Rhodesian ridgeback is the only “classy” dog I have seen here, beside a bunch of happy no breed dogs.
This week Dr. Phil will host courageous Jacqueline Durand on one of his two dog attack shows. I am guessing it’s the Friday, April 28 show.
Thursday. Dog Attacks on the Rise: Who’s to Blame?
Friday. Surviving a Vicious Dog Attack.
https://www.drphil.com/shows/dog-attacks-on-the-rise-whos-to-blame/
Just wow, on the idiocy of the pitbull owner. “Exaggerated her injuries so my dog was euthanized”?
She likely *knows* Dr. Phil is going to make mince meat of her in front of millions of viewers and is still narcissistic enough (it’s all about ME and MY dog ME ME ME) to go on his show.
Hey Lady, here’s the thing. Forget how severe or not you think the injuries, were. YOUR DOG SERIOUSLY BIT SOMEONE.
40 years ago your father or your husband would have walked into the back yard and shot it themselves, if you didn’t.
That’s enough right there.
On the plus side, if Dr. Phil is covering this–maybe the tides are finally turning.
I am so glad Dr.Phil is brave enough to risk the ire of his commercial sponsors and many of his pit-idiot viewers. Judge Judy is tireless and courageous in her effort to not only punish owners of dangerous dogs, but also educate the public. If ONE life is saved, it’s worth it.
Damn right!! Sterilize ALL pit bulls and off-breeds closely related with them. Usually owners of pit bulls and off-shoots of them only want to do one thing–INTIMIDATE anyone who comes near.
Years ago, I took my Norwich Terrier on a (leashed) walk on the Delaware/Raritan Canal Towpath in Princeton. The path is a state park and requires all dogs to be leashed. A canoe pulled up about 10 yards from me and my dog and a pit bill hopped out. It approached me and my dog with its head down and eyes forward — a patently aggressive posture, especially for a fighting dog. The people on the canoe yelled reassuringly, “It’s fine; he’s friendly.” The dog straddled my terrier, picked him up by the neck and shook him. I pounded him on the head and he released. Fortunately, go-to-ground terriers are tough critters with powerful necks. Had my dog been a poodle, he would have been dead. The woman in the boat offered to pay my vet bill, which was the least of the problems. She was a veterinary assistant who “rescued” the dog when someone brought it in, probably to be destroyed. The dog wasn’t legally restrained. She clearly didn’t understand what she owned. Scores of generations of fight breeding don’t just go away. If you don’t believe me, try training your Lab to avoid the water or your Beagle to stop following a scent. Pitt bulls owners constantly insist that their dogs don’t bite. Well, they don’t … until they do. Yeah, there are pit bulls who don’t bite. Unfortunately, they’re the exceptions, and they look just like the dogs who do bite. I grew up in a dog breeding household where dogs who bit without provocation were taken directly to the vet and put down. We didn’t send them to shelters where they would have an opportunity to maim someone else’s kids. That would be unethical and irresponsible, but people do it all the time. Dogs are wonderful. I love dogs, but in my world, people always, always come first. They ought to be able to walk confidently through the world without having to worry about a dog attack. And my dog — a loving pet — should be able to walk around without being attacked by a dog bred to kill other dogs. These people who anthropomorphize dogs and equate breed discrimination with racial or ethnic discrimination do so much damage. They claim to be dog lovers, but they aren’t. If you love dogs, you love them for what they are, not as you wish them to be. This is a sorely needed website. Thank you for creating it.
Possibly this data may be reported in the mainstream press…anyone know an friendly investigative reporter?