Dangerous Dogs – Pit Bull Type Dogs

Are all pit bulls really dangerous dogs?

There is no single, officially recognized breed of dog named pit bull. The term pit bull generally refers to dog breeds in the Molosser family, including American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Most dog laws include all pit-bull types as pit bulls.

Any dog can bite or attack another animal or human, but pit bulls top the list when it comes to the number of attacks, the severity of injuries inflicted on people and animals, and the number of human fatalities in the United States from dog mauling.

According to DogsBite.org, between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2008, “Of the 88 fatal dog attacks recorded by DogsBite.org, pit bull type dogs were responsible for 59% (52). This is equivalent to a pit bull killing a U.S. citizen every 21 days during this 3-year period. The data also shows that pit bulls commit the vast majority of off-property attacks that result in death. Only 18% (16) of the attacks occurred off owner property, yet pit bulls were responsible for 81% (13).”

What makes pit bulls more dangerous than other large dog breeds?

Statistically, you have a significantly greater chance (38%) of being attacked by a pit bull in a public place than from all other dogs breeds and mixes combined.

Most dog bites and attacks occur on the dog owner’s property for all dog types and breeds except attacks by pit bulls (70% of non-pit bull attacks occur on the dog owner’s property.) The majority of pit bull attacks occur after a pit bull has escaped the owner’s property and is running loose. This makes pit bulls significantly more dangerous to the general public because anyone in the dog’s way can become a target.

In 2009, 310 pit bull attacks were reported on by the media during the first six months of the year. In addition, 68% (212) of pit bull bites occurred off owner property and only 32% (98) occurred on owner property. According to DogsBite.org, this data indicates that pit bulls “escape owner property and inflict bites at a substantially higher rate than other dog breeds.”

Pit bulls are large dogs with tremendous strength and have powerful jaws. Unlike most other dog breeds, when pit bulls bite down they shake their head violently causing internal damage to organs and bones (rottweilers, another large and potentially dangerous dog breed also bite in this same manner.) Pit Bulls also have the jaw power to sever limbs with their bites.

Pit bulls often go for the face and neck, crushing the throat and tearing out veins. Once an attack has started, even the dog’s owner or handler will have difficulty regaining control of the dog. When more than one pit bull attacks, it stimulates the “pack drive” in the dogs and most victims of a multiple pit bull attack will be severely maimed or killed.

Pit Bulls Banned in 230 Cities

In response to a rising number of unprovoked pit bull attacks on humans, in 1989, the City of Denver, Colorado enacted legislation banning pit bulls within city limits. The rate of of pit bull attacks in Denver dropped from 27% to 2% over the next three years. Since 1989, more than 230 cities in 32 states (including New Jersey) have banned pit bulls within their city limits.

Although many owners keep pit bulls as family pets, it is always best to assume any pit bull on the lose is a dangerous animal. Call your local animal warden immediately to report a lose dog; never attempt to catch the dog yourself.

We Have Over 20 Years of Experience in Personal Injury Cases

If you have been severely bitten or attacked by a pit bull, or any other type of dog, you have the right to financial compensation for medical expenses, legal fees, and may be entitled to damages for pain and suffering.

Pennsylvania law requires that the victim can show the attack was unprovoked, and damages are based on the severity of your injuries. You need an attorney with extensive experience in handling dog bite lawsuits to uncover the facts of your case and get you the compensation you deserve. Our lawyers have been helping personal injury victims, including innocent people who have been mauled by dogs, for more than twenty years. Contact us today for a free initial case evaluation. If we take your case, you pay nothing until we win.

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