Pit Bull Dog Breed
When you think of a vicious dog bite or dog attack, are there any specific breeds that come to mind? Why do you think the breed that comes to mind among most people is the breed that most people think of? Media? Society and culture anxieties? Social media? Movies? What about facts? Are there areas of this topic and breed that go unseen and unknown to the public?
This page may have upsetting facts about dog bite statistics among Pit Bulls and other known breeds, as well as potentially controversial facts about Pit Bulls and other known breeds from how people respect and protect this breeds reputation. Bisnar Chase personal injury attorneys do not take any particular side when it comes to dog breed opinions and biased perspectives.
Nurture vs nature; a common and highly controversial topic between dog owners, breeders, trainers, mothers and fathers, basically anyone, which leads to the main question... Are Pit Bulls more dangerous than other dog breeds?
Pit Bulls - Killer or Friend
The Pit Bull community are very tight-nit and supportive towards their shared love for their Pit Bull friends. From children to teenagers, adults to the elderly, people around the world are in love with their Pit Bull companions. But from the complete and polar opposite perspective, People say Pit Bulls are born to kill, focused on hunting and making the kill, unable to have compassion and withhold urges to bite and attack, whether they are feeling threatened or not.
When you see the pictures and videos of young toddlers climbing over giant and impressively muscular Pit Bull adults without any concern from the parents or by standers, how can it be true that Pit Bulls are unable to love and instead are, as many put it, "born killers; it's in their DNA..."?
From our skilled and highly experienced California Dog Bite Lawyers, comes an informational reference page to offer the resources you can use to determine how you can perceive and better understand the Pit Bull breed. This page will cover statistical information, facts and why different people's opinions and stand-points mold how society, the media and today's culture views the Pit Bull breed.
Different Types of Pit Bulls
You may not be aware that all Pit Bulls are not just Pit Bulls, and in fact, there are many different types of Pit Bulls in the Pit Bull family:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- American Bully
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Originating from the United States of America, Ireland and Great Britain, "Canis Lupus Familiaris," is a breed that can be traced back to the early 1800's.
In the 1800's lower income individuals would gamble and battle their dogs against actual bulls. In 1835, the British Parliament enacted the Cruelty to Animals Act. This new act made it illegal for the baiting of animals like bulls and bears. Attention was turned towards "ratting." The objective of ratting was to see who's dog was able to catch and kill the most rats in a selectively confined space/arena, in the littlest amount of time.
Eventually, this led to the development of needing faster and more aggressive dogs in order to compete with the other dogs, finally evolving into the infamous realm of dog fighting.
These dogs were bred into the different types of the Pit Bull family, being trained and raised to fight, attack and kill. Pit Bulls were introduced to America by immigrants bringing them to North America with them, but most of these "fighting dogs" were turned into working dogs, herding cattle, sheep and protecting livestock from wolves and other predators.
In the beginning of the American century, "Pits" maintained their popularity but evolved into "working className companions." Throughout WWII, America actually used the Pit Bull as their nation's mascot, showcasing their loyalty and bravery as a key point of marketing and advertising strategies and techniques.
The Pit Bull has undergone many changes in their "animal roles," `created and idealized as a fighting dog for reputation and profit, turned war hero, retiring as a family dog. But soon, the Pit Bull would turn into a man-killing machine, in some people's eyes, a step below the Great White shark on the predators list.
The Working Dog, The Companion
After WWII, Pit Bulls came to be seen more and more as normal dogs. Underground dog fighting still existed, but not to the extent of before the war or back in Europe and United Kingdom (UK).
As some Pit Bulls were and are bred for herding, hunting or guardian purposes, the majority of these dogs are bred for pets and companionship. But why the sudden change?
Animal Welfare Act of 1976
The US Supreme Court passed the Animal Welfare Act of 1976 in 1976, making dogfighting illegal in all 50 states.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) states:
"Summary: Enacted April 22, 1976, Public Law 94-279 is primarily refining previous regulations on animal transport and commerce. "Carrier" and "Intermediate Handler" are defined. Health certification prior to transport of sale is required and must be performed b y a veterinarian. Licenses, method of payment, and penalties for violations are discussed. This amendment also introduces and defines "animal fighting ventures" to the Act. Animals used in hunting waterfowl, foxes, etc. are exempt. It is illegal to exhibit or transport via interstate or foreign commerce animals used in fighting ventures such as dogs or roosters."
Are Dog Attack & Bite Reports Accurate?
With a high number of reports for larger dog breeds like Pit Bulls, the question is asked, how accurate are these numbers in relation to other breeds? What does this mean?
Attacks and bites from large dogs like Pit Bulls, have a higher chance of resulting in a more serious injury. Compared to a smaller dog, like a Jack Russell Terrier or chihuahua, which may only result in minor bruising, small puncture wounds or minor lacerations.
If every dog bite was reported and documented, what would the numbers and statistics look like then? Would small breeds have the same or higher volume of attacks/bites than larger dogs? If they were, would that make smaller dog breeds the more aggressive or hostile?
4 Pit Bulls kill a woman on her morning stroll; owner sentenced to 15 years to life:
In cases like the video below, some individuals use pit bulls and other "known aggressove breeds" to protect land, livestock and for other reasons, but when the handling of these dogs is negligent, catastrophic injuries and death can occur. The man in the video below was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for second degree murder, after his 4 pit bulls killed an elderly woman on a morning stroll.
Pit Bull Attack Statistics
It can't be denied, that Pit Bulls have been known for a high number of dog bites and attacks on humans and other animals. Many of these attacks have even killed and caused catastrophic injuries, resulting in permanent disabilities, high medical costs and severe disfigurement.
According to an article by TIME, "Pit bulls make up only 6% of the dog population, but they're responsible for 68% of dog attacks and 52% of dog-related deaths since 1982, according to research."
Looking at Pit Bull Dog Bite Statistics More In-Depth
There are different perspectives on how the Pit Bull breed should be dealt with and perceived. Some think the breed should have more media coverage on the normalities of the Pit Bull breed, in comparison to other well-known docile breeds, like the golden retriever, Labrador and other popular family breeds.
Others will go as far as supporting Free sterilization programs for pit bulls, like the one run by the ASPCA. Here are some statistics on the Pit Bull breed:
- Over 50% of dog bites are from a Pit Bull
- Approximately 87% of pit bulls are aggressive
- 56% of all U.S. fatal dog bites in the past 5 years were by Pit Bulls
- Only 20% of Pit Bulls are sterilized (neutered/spayed)
- Pits make up 63% of dogs put down in animal shelters
- Pits make up 38% of shelter admissions
- PETA stands by breed-specific sterilization
- Pit bull jaws do not "lock." Most animals tend to hold onto their prey after biting it. Pit bull jaws are anatomically the same as all other dogs and show no evidence of locking
- The "Pit Bull" breed represents 3 types of dog:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
To learn more about Pit Bull statistics, you can visit LiveScience.com/are-pit-bulls-dangerous
Other dangerous dog breeds include:
It is impossible to read a dog to be friendly or not. Sometimes dogs can look like they are inviting of strangers when really are planning to react aggressively, and sometimes dogs that are coming off aggressive are very friendly and want to lick you all over and get pets and affection.
Here are 5 steps you can take, according to an article on TheStranger.com, to protect yourself from an aggressive Pit Bull attack:
- Avoid Conflict: Avoiding stranger or unknown dogs is your best chance of avoiding a preventable attack. Don't let children or those who make sudden, unexpected or jerky movements around a pit bull. This could threaten, startle or initiate a factor of fear in the dog that could result in a defense or territorial response/attack/bite.
- Stand on a Car: Never turn your back to, make eye contact or run from a dog. This usually results in the dog chasing and attacking. If possible, stand, jump or climb to a higher surface that is difficult for the dog to get up onto, like a car, roof, shed or fence. Putting a distance or gap between you and the aggressive dog can detour the animal, allowing time for the dog to lose interest, avoiding an attack. Calling for help can be affective if the dog is persistent and does not lose interest. Don't lure others into your current dangerous situation and warn by standers of the near by situation so they avoid being attacked or mauled themselves.
- Cover Your Face & Play Dead: When in the situation of unpreventable or uncontrollable attack, cover your face, neck and play dead. According to the article on TheStranger.com:
If there's no car or any other higher level handy, "don't try to defend yourself, just protect yourself," says Emily Keegans, behavior program manager at the Seattle Humane Society. "That basically means to get down on the ground, pull your knees to your chest, clasp your hands behind your neck, put your elbows around your face." This play-dead-while-defending-your- tender-face-and-lap-bits approach is seconded by Wiley: "Stillness is the best thing. If a dog gets its teeth into you, fighting back can make things worse."
- Use Defense Tools: Another step you can take towards protecting yourself in the event of a dog charge or dog attack is to be prepared with pepper spray. Cyclist, mail delivery personnel, law enforcement, joggers and even students who walk to and from school are armed with this defensive and non-lethal spray. You can find pepper spray conveniently available on websites like amazon. Available products are inexpensive and reliable, such as SABRE Red Pepper Spray on a key chain for on-the-go efficiency.
- Take Any Means Necessary: There comes a point in any altercation when it needs to come to a conclusion. If playing dead or showing any form of retreat did not work, it's time to fight for your life, literally. Take any means necessary means, do whatever it takes to save your life. Using objects you are in possession of or able to get a hold of quickly that can offer the biggest blow to the attacking dog. It sounds sad and mean, but it in a life or death situation, it matters. Some say if you are able to jam a closed fist into the mouth of an attacking dog, you can punch down into the throat, until the dog begins to gag and realizes they are unable to breath. Using heavy or sharp objects to defend yourself as well as utilizing wrestling and mma techniques can result in a positive outcome. All of these factors have a risk of being bitten and injured more, but if done correctly, it could be the last bite the dog gets on you. Stay safe, stay alert, stay alive.
Why Is Seeking Medical Attention Important after a Pit Bull Attack?
Pit bulls, any other breed of dog and any other animal period has a chance of carrying diseases. If a dog bites you and draws blood or breaks the skin, you have a serious risk of contracting a disease, such as rabies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rabies is a preventable disease, often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal.
Rabid animals can include and are not limited to raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, dogs and any other animals that have contracted the disease. Other animals such as your pet dogs and cats are at risk of contracting diseases if bitten by other animals that have a disease.
Once bitten, seek medical attention immediately. Whether you call 911, EMS, ambulance services or drive to the nearest hospital, emergency room, urgent care of medical clinic, wounds need to be cleaned, sterilized, treated and made sure that your immediate health is not in danger.
Depending on the severity of your injuries, test results and doctors recommendations, treatments for dog and animal bites can be extensive, lasting weeks, even months of consistent care, sometimes daily.
Another risk factor of being attacked by a dog or animal is extensive bleeding. If the dog or animal bites you and breaks an artery, vein or delicate area, you run the risk of bleeding out or experiencing serious medical issues and injuries.
Tourniquets can be used if needed, especially for arterial bleeding. If a tourniquets is not available, a belt, wire, leash, ripped up t shirt or some sort of item that can be wrapped around the injured area, tied tightly to put pressure on the area to slow or hopefully stop the bleeding until medical attention arrives.
Documenting Your Dog Bite Injuries
Another fantastic aspect of seeking medical attention is the fact your injuries will be professionally documented in association with your dog bite or attack incident. If you ever plan on taking legal action, not having your injuries documented can become a massive issue.
Once you are in the litigation process and are unable to prove that your injuries happened when they happened, associate your injuries to the incident and make links tying everything together into one experience readily available for the court, mediators, insurance adjusters, lawyers and attorneys, you have a high chance of losing your case.
If you want to take legal action, make sure you have everything you need to win a case.
How To Win Your Dog Bite & Pit Bull Attack Case
Experiencing a traumatic dog bite incident can leave the victim or victims in a mess of financial obligation, medical bills, unable to work and can destroy lives. Don't assume you will win your case, just because you know yourself, you were bitten by a dog. Be prepared, and don't let opportunity slip out of your hands. Compensation can be yours if you take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention
- Document your injuries
- File a police report
- Take photos/video of your injuries, animals involved, animal owners, etc.
- Photos/video of the location the incident took place
- Eye-witness testimonies, eye-witness contact information, etc.
- Evidence
- Be organized: Date, time, location, those involved, outline of what happened, what initiated the incident, etc.
If you have experienced a dog bite or dog attack and have questions you would like to ask a skilled Dog Bite Lawyer, call 800-561-4887 for your Free consultation and case evaluation.
Our team of legal professionals and highly successful dog bite attorneys have been winning cases for over 40 years, establishing an impressive 96% success rate and winning over $500 million.
Don't let anything come between you and what you deserve; you could be entitled to compensation. Paying off medical bills, receiving compensation for your pain and suffering and more is totally achievable. Call us today.
