It has been frequently claimed that a virtual dog bite epidemic exists in the United States today. Over the last 20 years the number of legally-owned dogs rose only 2% as compared to the number of dog bites which rose a staggering 37%. This amounts to nearly 5 million dog bite victims each year which constitutes only 2% of the American population but is nevertheless a significant number. 1,000 people a day visit hospital emergency rooms as a result of dog bite injuries and 800,000 dog bite victims require some form of medical care. Most victims of dog bites are children who have been bitten on the torso; neck or face by a dog known to them and 15 to 20 dog bite victims will die each year.

Most dog attacks stem from their owner’s failure to recognize and restrain their canine properly before an attack occurred. Any dog that has indicated aggressive tendencies is required by law to be reasonably contained through leashes, muzzles, fences, posted warnings and supervision by their owner; owners who fail to do so can be held liable for any damages their dog may cause. Dog owners are also responsible for attacks, bites or injuries caused by their pet if they failed to follow local ordinances such as leash laws at the time of the incident.

Some breeds are statistically more inclined to be aggressive such as Pit Bulls and Rottweilers, German Shepherds and Chows but this alleged inclination never excuses their owners from training and restraining them to prevent aggression.

The methods to determine these statistics covering dog bite injuries in the United States and the tendencies of certain breeds to attack have come under question from many sources, making it difficult to know what to believe. The United States Post Office considers dog bites to be an occupational hazard for their mail carriers and keeps records of all bites their employees sustain. They have calculated a significant decline in reported dog bites amongst postal carriers from 1983 to 2009, rather than a rise.

Whether or not dog bites are on the rise they continue to be a valid concern for parents and other individuals in close contact with these animals. Nobody wishes to experience the horror of witnessing their child be mauled by the family dog or be the victim of a bite themselves.

For those who have already suffered a dog attack it is important to understand the legal liabilities all dog owners have. Dog owners whose dog attacked without provocation are liable for all injury and property damage caused by their animal as are those who own a breed banned in their county and owners who knew of or should have known of their pet’s vicious tendencies. Finally, a dog owner can be held liable for damages if they were negligent in controlling their pet. Victims of dog bites should contact an injury attorney to learn more about liability and compensation.