In 2011, there were 31 fatalities that resulted from dog attacks.
As these animals were designed to be able to hunt and kill prey in order to feed themselves, sometimes this instinct can be directed towards humans.
Not only can the initial wound be severe, but the subsequent infection can cause long-term complications.
For those who survive the attack are often left with scars, both physical and emotional, that they have to live with the rest of their lives.
There are laws set up to protect victims as well as prevent this from occurring, but these regulations are not always followed by animal owners.
It is well known that some breeds of dog are more aggressive than others.
Last year, 71% of these fatalities involved a pit bull, 13% a Rottweiler, and the remaining 3% was made up of seven different breeds.
Although dog lovers are quick to defend their pets, it is their responsibility to ensure that they do not harm another human being.
According to the number of fatalities caused by each breed, the ten most dangerous dog breeds are: 1.
Pit bulls 2.
Rottweilers 3.
German Shepherds 4.
Huskies 5.
Alaskan Malamutes 6.
Doberman Pinschers 7.
Chow Chows 8.
Presa Canarios 9.
Boxers 10.
Dalmatians An example of a case that occurred in 2011 was that of eleven-month-old M.
N.
On July 4th, he was with his parents visiting their grandparents for the holiday.
The baby's parents also brought their 135 lb.
bulldog who they had adopted four years previously.
While the parents were away on an outing, the baby was attacked in the living room.
When deputies arrived, they had to shoot the animal because of the degree of agitation it was displaying.
Another example of an attack occurred in Putnam County, FL.
A disabled 74-year-old veteran was working outside in his yard when a neighbor's pit bulls hopped the fence and attacked him.
When emergency personnel arrived, R.
M.
's right arm was amputated and his left arm was partially gone.
His face was severally mauled and he went into surgery immediately.
Five days later, he succumbed to his injuries.
It later came out that the dogs had attacked two other men in the past.
If you were injured because of a dog attack or lost a loved one, you need to be aware of your rights.
Some states are one-bite states and other operates under the mixed dog bite rule.
The one-bite rule means that owners are protected if it was the first time the dog attacked another person.
Mixed bite states enforce a more strict form of liability.
However, it is important to know that victims can hold owners liable for negligence, premises liability, violation of leash law, and reckless behavior involving a dog.
In order to claim under these laws, it is recommended that you have an attorney fighting for your rights.