Almost a Million People Annually Treated for Dog Attacks

This document is a press release from AVMA.

PRESS RELEASE

BLOOMINGTON, IL -- If dog owners aren't responsible, man's best friend can become his worst enemy.

As many as one million people each year require medical attention because of dog attacks. An equal number of people do not seek treatment or report the bite. On average, 12 people per year die as a result of dog attacks. Children account for 60 percent of all victims.

"Dog attacks are the No. 1 public health problem of children, with more than half of children bitten by age 12," said Dr. John I. Freeman, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

In addition to the tragedy sometimes caused by canine attacks, owners can be subject to civil and criminal liability for their pet's behavior.

Insurance companies paid an estimated $250 million in dog bite liability claims in 1996, according to the Insurance Information Institute. The bill for State Farm Fire and Casualty Company in 1997 was nearly $80 million for liability and medical payments for claims.

Responsible pet ownership and safe behavior around dogs, however, can curb this problem.

Most victims are bitten by dogs owned by their family and friends, but there are steps dog owners can take to reduce the likelihood of their dogs biting people. Your veterinarian is your best source for information about your pet's behavior.

Reduce the chance of your dog biting someone by following these tips:

Socialize your dog so it feels at ease around people and other animals.
Don't put your dog in situations where it may feel threatened or teased.
Obey leash laws. Don't let your dog roam free.
Train your dog to obey basic commands such as "stay," "no," and "come."
Keep your dog healthy with proper vaccinations. Control parasites.

If you are approached by a dog, the following tips may reduce your chances of being attacked:

Don't run away.
Stay until the dog leaves, or back away slowly until the dog is out of sight. Avoid eye contact. Remain calm.
If you fall to the ground or are knocked down, curl into a ball, placing your hands over your head and neck. Protect your face.

More information on preventing dog bites is available free through the AVMA and State Farm.

A new brochure, "Don't Worry, They Won't Bite," was put together by the AVMA and State Farm. "Don't Worry, They Won't Bite" provides tips for dog owners to encourage proper pet behavior, hints to avoid being bitten by a dog, and steps to take when a dog bites someone. Through a cooperative effort with the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, State Farm is also offering the "Fido! Friend or Foe?" activity book, which teaches children how to act responsibly and safely around dogs through coloring, dot-to-dot, seek-and-find and other activities.

To receive a copy of the brochure and/or activity book, call 877-254-FIDO (3436). This is a free call. You can also access these materials on the AVMA Network or by visiting State Farm's homepage at http://www.statefarm.com/kidstuf/dogbite.htm

Dog Bite Prevention Campaign Media Kit

FOR FUTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

American Veterinary Medical Association
Sharon Granskog
Schaumburg, IL
(847) 925-8070, extension 275
www.avma.org

State Farm Insurance Companies
Joe Johnson
Bloomington, IL
(309) 766-8188
www.statefarm.com

preventing dog bites