Let's Talk About Dog Attacks

Crossposted from APBR email newsletter:

This month we are going to shed some light on a persons odds of being attacked by a dog, the Pit Bull breed specifically, the causes of such attacks, and what one can do if they are being attacked or aggressed upon by a dog.

The odds of being struck by lightning are 1 in 600,000 in the USA. Comparatively speaking, you are 6 times more likely to be struck by lightning than you are to be killed by a dog of any breed.

When you further break down the odds of being attacked and killed by a Pit Bull the odds are in your favor -approximately 1 in 145,000,000. That’s million folks! In contrast, you are 4 times more likely to be killed by a cow in the USA than any breed of dog, much less a Pit Bull.

So why do some dogs attack?

The answer is quite simple, really.

Irresponsible pet owners
Irresponsible parents
Instigation by the "so called" victims themselves

Although there are some “bad dogs” out there these are in the minority and the tendency is to blame the dogs and / or their owners without just cause.

It is somewhat embarrassing when you look at the evolvement of society in general over the past 40 years. Where has the accountability and personal responsibility gone? And by personal responsibility that also means to you parents - do you understand this extends into your children?

In today’s society we have unfortunately moved away from personal accountability and responsibility. Many are looking for others to take care of them in every aspect of their lives including the proper raising of their children.

When something negative happens then it is no longer a person’s fault because they have been dependant on the care of others. Today’s society is eager to slap the victim label on anyone who becomes hurt even if this is due to their own negligence and in many cases is the choice of the individual and was their intent to behave in such a manner.

If you are an owner of a dog it is your responsibility to make sure it is properly confined. For the good of society you should additionally make sure it is well socialized.

If you are the parent of a child it is your responsibility to raise your children with respect for you, themselves and others. Others include both property and animals.

If an animal mauls your child due to your lack of responsible parenting (such as in trespassing or inhumane treatment), this is your fault and you must live with the moral consequences.

Regardless of what a court may say you will always be the bearer of your morality. By not teaching your children respect and the proper ways to act around others then you bear this moral burden.

So why am I preaching, you may ask? The majority of people who are killed by dogs are children. These children often instigate the attack by trespassing, throwing objects, harassing, taunting, torturing, and otherwise acting in a threatening manner toward a dog that subsequently attacks in fear of it’s own life or safety.

When this is the case there is typically a strong tie to irresponsible parenting and improper education of morality and respect.

From the dogs' perspective they are merely acting in self-defense, which is natural for any species, including humans.

So what should a person do in the unlikely event they are attacked or threatened by a dog?

If a dog threatens you, do not look them directly in the eyes, do not bark or growl at them, and do not make any sudden movements. All of these actions may be perceived as a threat by the dog and promote an attack that could otherwise be avoided.

When threatened you should tuck your fists underneath your chin and back away slowly.

By tucking your hands underneath your chin it helps protect you from being attacked at the neck and throat and can help absorb the weight if the dog jumps up at you.

Do not turn your back, as this will leave you defenseless.

Do not run, as dogs are faster than any human runner on earth.

The best defense however is a good offense. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid getting near a dog that you do not know unless the owner is present and has okayed your approach. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER approach a pack of dogs. If a dog in a pack attacks you, the chances of the whole pack getting involved are significant. The two main reason dogs pack together are to hunt and breed and you do not want to be seen by them as a threat.

If you are attacked, do not fight back. This will instigate additional attacking while at the same time leaving you defenseless. If you cannot get away the best thing to do is to curl up into a fetal position and locking your hands together behind your head. By locking your hands together your arms will protect your neck, sides of face and throat. Your hands will protect your ears, and having your fingers locked together will help protect damage that can occur to them. By maintaining the tuck you will protect your face and soft parts of your midsection.

The number one reason in which someone dies from an attack is by bleeding to death. Knowing this fact, protecting your neck and throat is critical. For those who survive a major dog attack the biggest issue is usually scarring and / or the loss of body parts and tissue such as ears, noses, and fingers. Properly tucking and locking your hands will greatly reduce the chance of death and major scarring.

You should practice this technique and make sure you teach it to your children.

It is important to seek immediate medical care after any animal attack.

Although the odds are in your favor that you or your children will not die from a dog attack, you can help reduce the odds by practicing these safety tips together.

 

Good Post.
People Any More Do Not Want To Think There Wrong Or In The Wrong. So They Do Not Take Responsibility Its Easier To Have Someone Else Take The Blame. Seems Like Its All About What U Can Get Away With.