Although domesticated dogs may seem quite friendly and approachable, there are occasions when they can be dangerous. There have been a number of cases in the U.S. involving vicious dog attacks on both humans and other pets.
The breed of dog you own could make it more difficult to secure Homeowners insurance. Insurers are hesitant in offering coverage to homeowners who own breeds and mixes that insurers believe are more likely to bite and cause injuries. According to DogsBite.org, more than 700 cities in the U.S. have adopted breed-specific laws since the mid-1980s, following the rise in popularity of pit bulls in the general population.
A report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reveals that between 1997 and 1998, dog-bite attacks were the reason behind the deaths of at least 27 people. Of that number, 19 (70%) were children, eight were adults, and approximately half (56%) were male. Five (19%) of these deadly attacks involved unrestrained dogs off the owners’ property, 18 (67%) involved unrestrained dogs on the owners’ property, three (11%) involved restrained dogs on the owners’ property, and one (4%) involved a restrained dog off the owner’s property.
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Trudy Knockless
Trudy Knockless is a reporter on ALM Media's Business of Law desk. She has a background serving legal and insurance publications. Contact her at [email protected] or on LinkedIn at Trudy Knockless.
