In my life I have been attacked three times by dogs. Once by a police dog loosed on me when I ran from the cops after being discovered sleeping in a park at night – that I managed to “smack” in the head with a two by four before escaping over a 10 ft tall chain link fence – barely! The second time was a Doberman Pinscher I managed to get lucky and kick it in the face. The third time was a wolf in the wilds of Canada that literally attacked me out of nowhere that I managed to stab with a broken tree branch before it ripped my throat out. All three required medical attention and rabies shots! I’m actually lucky to have survived any one of these attack let alone three.
In the first 101 days of this year, 16 Americans were killed by dogs.
On average, that is a fatal attack inflicted by a canine every 6.3 days in the U.S. since January 1.
Pit bulls and their mixes are responsible for 69% (11) of these deaths. Pit bulls alone have an average kill rate of every 9.2 days during this period. Followed by the only other dog breed to inflict more than one death so far in 2014, bullmastiffs 13% (2). Three other dog breeds have inflicted one death each (3) – Total dog deaths (16).
If this rate continues, there will be 58 human fatalities inflicted by dogs by the end of 2014, nearly double the national annual average of 31.5.
Another interesting fact during the first 101 days of 2014, 38% (6) of all fatalities occurred in Texas and 69% (11) occurred in the Southern United States. Four states with established anti-BSL laws made up 56% (9) of all deaths: Texas, Illinois, New Jersey and California.
Victim information shows that females made up 75% (12) of the deaths during this period; half were ages 55-years and older. Despite loose dogs accounting for 50% of all fatalities, no felony criminal charges were filed during this period.
In 2010 there were something like thirty five fatal dog attacks in the US.
More than 350,000 dog bite victims are seen in the ER (Emergency Room) every year. Approximately 800,000 victims annually receive some type of kind of medical attention because of dog bites.
Its been estimated that someone is bitten on average once every seventy five seconds. More than 80% of victims are children. Needless to say dog attacks area huge problem:
Some general rules to follow to survive an encounter:
1) When approached by a potentially dangerous dog avoid direct eye contact with the animal – it may be considered a sign of aggression on your part as well a challenge to its hierarchical status.
2) Don’t smile – since the dog will only focus on your teeth and consider it a challenge or threat.
3) Remember teeth and growling is a sign of aggression. If the dogs head is held high or low, it is not usually a sign of aggression so much as submission and fear. If however the head is even with the dogs body it will probably attack you. Then you must be prepared to fight!
4) If it approaches shout load commands like “No” and “Stand Down.” Remember not to point your finger or expose your hands.
5) Gradually back away from the animal without making any sudden movements or changes in posture – Don’t run however!
When attacked:
1) When attacked and the dog has a grip on you, turn the animal and drop your full weight on its body. Try to crash down on it with your elbow or knees. Try to land on its ribs which break easily! Strike its head at the back of the base of its skull or neck.
2) If you can reach for the dogs hind legs and lift them off the ground and body slam the animal to the ground or against a wall or tree.
3) If attacked by a pack of dogs, attempt to strike each approaching dog’s nose, eyes or grab one of its legs and swing that sucker and pummeled it to the ground.
Try to protect your neck and guts if possible, dogs will rips and tear your throat or guts out if given the chance!Kick hard and fast if you have to.
See video: 2 Pitbulls attack woman video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1YIBpKUjsg
See video: Dog attacks 4 year old http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26Fh2X7LmuY
See video: Horrific dog attack http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3f-cW8cs2o