Consequences of doing stupid things....

northGAcock

Last evening I was cleaning out the gutters on my detached garage. When finished, I performed my clean up, putting away the ladder, trash bag etc.....It was extremely warm outside and the humidity was high. Sweat pouring down my head and into my eyes, I went inside to cool off and wipe down a bit.  A few minutes later there was a knock at the door which my wife answered, finding a frantic neighbor. You see I had left the back gate open and my two dogs had gotten out and chased down a neighbors cat. I had often wondered if they ever caught a cat or (fuzzy tailed rodent) what they would do with it, as I had always thought the chase was what they were in it for. Unfortunately, I found out the answer as they mauled the cat to death. 

In times like these an animal lover like myself, feels the sorry of the death of an animal. You then move towards kicking yourself because this could have been avoided had I closed the gate when finished with my work (dogs have access to backyard thru a dog door). I had another neighbor who discovered it all going down, and pulled the dogs off of the cat. His daughter experienced it and was the one who came an got us. Then we have the family who's cat was brutally killed. They have been close neighbors and the wife is a veterinarian.....so fully understands the instincts of dogs. That said, there is sorrow in their house hold...as they have lost a family member, a very sweet cat.

I am largely bummed today. This will pass and we will go on being neighbors. I may have to make some tough decisions about my dog(s)...and struggle with what the appropriate action will be. I look for no sympathy here from the forum, I simply needed to write this down as a way of venting my sorrow. We all deal with problems everyday....and we all experience sorrow and second guess our decisions. 

Better days are ahead.

Robin

bgebrent

Sorry to here this Robin.  That is terrible.

Killit_and_Grillit

I hate to sound insensitive because I understand the predicament...But the dogs were just doing what dogs do. 

Mine killed a neighbors cat who jumped in our backyard. 

When I was a kid my neighbors dogs came in our yard and killed my cat. 

Just animals being animals. If they would have gotten a person...THAT is a different story. 

DoubleEgger

That's awful Robin. Terribly sorry to hear this. 

Killit_and_Grillit

Let me give you a point of reference on that. 

When I was in second grade my little sister got mauled in the face by our neighbors dog. 70+ stitches all in her face. Lucky she lived. Took months of surgeries to get her back. 

Now she sleeps with a dog at the foot of her bed. She knows the dangers. They can be primal. When we choose to domesticate them we run the risk of them converting back to their primal nature. 

Just the cost of doing business with our furry little friends. 

northGAcock

Killit_and_Grillit said:

I hate to sound insensitive because I understand the predicament...But the dogs were just doing what dogs do. 

Mine killed a neighbors cat who jumped in our backyard. 

When I was a kid my neighbors dogs came in our yard and killed my cat. 

Just animals being animals. If they would have gotten a person...THAT is a different story. 

I don't think this is insensitive, but rather reality of the situation. Instincts kick in and I believe our neighbors fully understand that. 

YEMTrey

Robin, sorry to hear this man.  You are good peeps so don’t beat yourself up too much over this.  Just be there for your neighbor and help them get through this.  Hang in there Bud!

fishlessman

get a gate closer and automatic lock.  at home my dog only goes out with me and he wears a zapper collar, next door theres a cat lady with 5 cats, i dont need her banging on my door with her cat treed for 6 days again. at camp my dog runs free, the maine country cats know to avoid all the dogs on the loose. its funny there, the tiny miniature dogs are all chained, the big dogs all run free. i know where my dog is just by hearing which little dog is barking in the neighborhood im still living next to a neighbor whos peking duck was lifted off the counter in there kitchen, she brought that up again just this weekend, been 2 years next month since the great duck theft of the august moon party 2015

YEMTrey

"been 2 years next month since the great duck theft of the august moon party 2015"

This made me chuckle, thanks!

WeberWho

Sorry to hear about that. I had my 1 year old dog off his leash and does really good staying around the yard. He caught sight of a rabbit and was off. The bunny went running into the busy road with my dog. I was pissed. I couldn't get too upset as I know it's instinct for him. 

I was bit from my neighbors dog when I was a kid and had to get stitches. I apparently stepped on its leash on accident. My neighbors said they would put the dog down. I remember as a kid saying that there was no need. I'm sure the dog got spooked or being protective. They are still neighbors with my parents and are one of the nicest people you could meet. The dog is long gone now and a story that I often forget happening. I hope your neighbors can see pass this. Just an honest mistake.

Legume

Sorry this happened, traumatic to many for sure but it will pass.

I've had my share of run-ins with homeowners association, etc. about restraining dogs when ours had the run of the front yard (but not beyond) with wireless fence collars.  I was constantly challenged on our CCRs that say you can't let pets run free, yet nobody ever concerned themselves with cats that are left to roam the neighborhood.  I wish I had a dollar for every time someone else's cat walks through our yard driving our dogs batty.  They've never gotten a cat, but they did tangle once with a dog that ran 40 ft down our driveway...towards them.  I was scolded that it wouldn't have happened if my dogs had been restrained...on my property.  No real point here except that people look to the homeowner/dog owner and ignore the four-legged bait that is sometimes trolled right in front of them.

If you neighbor is a vet, I'm sure they understand this very well.

johnnyp

Robin, I'm sorry to you're having to deal with this.  Glad to hear your neighbors are understanding.  Although that won't alleviate all of the strain, it will allow your relationship to continue.  That, at least, is a blessing.

blasting

All the best Robin, this is a tough situation for all.  

kl8ton

Sorry to hear this.  I had a sad situation this week.  Worse in some ways, better in another way.  My 5 year old daughter ran over my 3 year old daughter's kitten with a power wheels jeep.  My wife held the kitten as it died and all the kids watched.  I dug a hole under some trees by a nice rock.  Lessons about how fragile life is. . . Pain experienced during loss.  . . Two new kittens replaces one dead one.  . . Sigh.

At least the accident was all within our family.  
I feel for ya. Good luck with your decisions on where to go from here. 

Photo Egg

OK, I will say it...If your neighbor's cat were secured and fenced up, your dogs never would have started chasing, let alone caught and killed it..."Most" cat owners live in a fantasy world where they feel their cats should be able to roam free, tear up my trash bags and crap in my freshly mowed yard. I use a humane trap and normally support my city animal control department by having them pick up 1 or 2 cats a month.
I am sorry that you have to deal with this and truly hope your neighbors learn a lesson as well.
I apologize in advance if your neighbors cat was just minding it's own business on it's own front porch and was taken out "Raptor" style by your tag team pups.
A cat owners belief that cats should be allowed to roam free because it's in their nature should also be aware that nature has a food chain. Just like their cat stalking a bird.

YukonRon

Not to be insensitive,  (and my apologies to all that I will offend) but, My Beautiful Wife has two cats. Two demons spawned from hell.
I do not hate cats per se, but nobody can ever say I am even remotely fond of these two cats, ("Richard III, and Hitler"). I begin everyday disappointed that they survived the previous evening.
Yet, I digress....

There would be $50.00 and a case of Titos delivered to your door.....
Just kidding. 
Or am I?

It was an accident brother. You are a great pet owner, a good neighbor and one heck of a guy.

Skiddymarker

Very difficult situation, trust you and the neighbour will get thru it. 
I agree with @Photo Egg and @Legume

JRWhitee

Sorry Robin, that sucks, I wouldn't be too hard on the dogs thats what they do, like Darian said I see the cats in my neighborhood killing birds thats what animals do. If there cat was locked up it most likely wouldn't have happened. Life goes on.

GATraveller

I hate my neighbors cat......can I borrow your dogs?

Sorry you have to deal with this.

nolaegghead

Photo Egg said:

OK, I will say it...If your neighbor's cat were secured and fenced up, your dogs never would have started chasing, let alone caught and killed it..."Most" cat owners live in a fantasy world where they feel their cats should be able to roam free, tear up my trash bags and crap in my freshly mowed yard. I use a humane trap and normally support my city animal control department by having them pick up 1 or 2 cats a month.
I am sorry that you have to deal with this and truly hope your neighbors learn a lesson as well.
I apologize in advance if your neighbors cat was just minding it's own business on it's own front porch and was taken out "Raptor" style by your tag team pups.
A cat owners belief that cats should be allowed to roam free because it's their in their nature should also be aware that nature has a food chain. Just like their cat stalking a bird.

It's against the law for owners to let their dogs roam in most all cities (and not cats) because they raise mayhem, injure people and property and get themselves hurt.  Plus the average cat weighs 8-9 pounds.   Not that cats can't do those same things, but it's exponentially worse with dogs, hence, unless you are in a neighborhood with a homeowner's organization that bans outdoor cats, it's not against the law to let your cats outdoors off a lease.  This is not fantasy, this is reality.  PS - most cats will find dirt to crap in, or your kid's sandbox.  They like to bury it. 

Robin - sorry about what happened.  It is in dog's nature to hunt.

Killit_and_Grillit

@northGAcock look what just showed up on my Facebook feed! Free replacement? 2 Day Priority Mail!  (too soon? It was too soon.)



(I think that little gray one at the bottom knew what i was thinking)

Photo Egg

nolaegghead said:

Photo Egg said:

OK, I will say it...If your neighbor's cat were secured and fenced up, your dogs never would have started chasing, let alone caught and killed it..."Most" cat owners live in a fantasy world where they feel their cats should be able to roam free, tear up my trash bags and crap in my freshly mowed yard. I use a humane trap and normally support my city animal control department by having them pick up 1 or 2 cats a month.
I am sorry that you have to deal with this and truly hope your neighbors learn a lesson as well.
I apologize in advance if your neighbors cat was just minding it's own business on it's own front porch and was taken out "Raptor" style by your tag team pups.
A cat owners belief that cats should be allowed to roam free because it's their in their nature should also be aware that nature has a food chain. Just like their cat stalking a bird.

It's against the law for owners to let their dogs roam in most all cities (and not cats) because they raise mayhem, injure people and property and get themselves hurt.  Plus the average cat weighs 8-9 pounds.   Not that cats can't do those same things, but it's exponentially worse with dogs, hence, unless you are in a neighborhood with a homeowner's organization that bans outdoor cats, it's not against the law to let your cats outdoors off a lease.  This is not fantasy, this is reality.  PS - most cats will find dirt to crap in, or your kid's sandbox.  They like to bury it. 

Robin - sorry about what happened.  It is in dog's nature to hunt.

..."Most" cat owners live in a fantasy world where they feel their cats should be able to roam free, tear up my trash bags and crap in my freshly mowed yard.

Yet it's still a true statement. Never said anything about legality. But a pet owner should hold themselves responsible. By letting their cat roam free it was at risk from another pet, owned by a responsible pet owner, who really makes an effort by fencing his dogs. I'm sure it's clear that I'm not a cat fan but hate to see ANY family pet get taken down or put down. But I also think it's foolish not to blame the cat owner as well. 

Fred19Flintstone

Fix them a brisket as a peace offering.  It won't bring back their cat, but it demonstrates to them your feelings about the situation.  I'm sorry about the fix you're in.  Believe me, I've paid a lot of stupid tax over the years.

fishlessman

nolaegghead said:

Photo Egg said:

OK, I will say it...If your neighbor's cat were secured and fenced up, your dogs never would have started chasing, let alone caught and killed it..."Most" cat owners live in a fantasy world where they feel their cats should be able to roam free, tear up my trash bags and crap in my freshly mowed yard. I use a humane trap and normally support my city animal control department by having them pick up 1 or 2 cats a month.
I am sorry that you have to deal with this and truly hope your neighbors learn a lesson as well.
I apologize in advance if your neighbors cat was just minding it's own business on it's own front porch and was taken out "Raptor" style by your tag team pups.
A cat owners belief that cats should be allowed to roam free because it's their in their nature should also be aware that nature has a food chain. Just like their cat stalking a bird.

It's against the law for owners to let their dogs roam in most all cities (and not cats) because they raise mayhem, injure people and property and get themselves hurt.  Plus the average cat weighs 8-9 pounds.   Not that cats can't do those same things, but it's exponentially worse with dogs, hence, unless you are in a neighborhood with a homeowner's organization that bans outdoor cats, it's not against the law to let your cats outdoors off a lease.  This is not fantasy, this is reality.  PS - most cats will find dirt to crap in, or your kid's sandbox.  They like to bury it. 

Robin - sorry about what happened.  It is in dog's nature to hunt.

sterilized playsand cracks me up cats seem to love it

did you ever get that dog

slovelad

Sorry to hear this. You might consider doing an invisible fence ? I have thought about doing one, my brother has one for his dogs and loves it. 

The_Stache

Robin, living in the country, there are a number of "ferrel" cats.  They learn pretty quickly to avoid our fenced yard as any one of our 3 dogs would happily take a chunk/kill them.  I have no qualms about this.

We used to live in the city and it sounds like you were conscientious in your keeping your dogs fenced.  **** happens!

I like @Fred19Flintstone's suggestion!

 

nolaegghead

Photo Egg said:

nolaegghead said:

Photo Egg said:

OK, I will say it...If your neighbor's cat were secured and fenced up, your dogs never would have started chasing, let alone caught and killed it..."Most" cat owners live in a fantasy world where they feel their cats should be able to roam free, tear up my trash bags and crap in my freshly mowed yard. I use a humane trap and normally support my city animal control department by having them pick up 1 or 2 cats a month.
I am sorry that you have to deal with this and truly hope your neighbors learn a lesson as well.
I apologize in advance if your neighbors cat was just minding it's own business on it's own front porch and was taken out "Raptor" style by your tag team pups.
A cat owners belief that cats should be allowed to roam free because it's their in their nature should also be aware that nature has a food chain. Just like their cat stalking a bird.

It's against the law for owners to let their dogs roam in most all cities (and not cats) because they raise mayhem, injure people and property and get themselves hurt.  Plus the average cat weighs 8-9 pounds.   Not that cats can't do those same things, but it's exponentially worse with dogs, hence, unless you are in a neighborhood with a homeowner's organization that bans outdoor cats, it's not against the law to let your cats outdoors off a lease.  This is not fantasy, this is reality.  PS - most cats will find dirt to crap in, or your kid's sandbox.  They like to bury it. 

Robin - sorry about what happened.  It is in dog's nature to hunt.

..."Most" cat owners live in a fantasy world where they feel their cats should be able to roam free, tear up my trash bags and crap in my freshly mowed yard.

Yet it's still a true statement. Never said anything about legality. But a pet owner should hold themselves responsible. By letting their cat roam free it was at risk from another pet, owned by a responsible pet owner, who really makes an effort by fencing his dogs. I'm sure it's clear that I'm not a cat fan but hate to see ANY family pet get taken down or put down. But I also think it's foolish not to blame the cat owner as well. 

That's a loaded statement by the lowest bar imaginable...using "fantasy world" and directing all that fantasy to "my" this or that. 

So by that logic, you should blame a parent with a child for letting their kid play outside when mauled or killed by a dog.  Really makes sense, right?  Because if they wouldn't let their kid outside, they wouldn't get bit by any dogs running around.  Foolish to not blame them, as you said.

Responsibility should be commensurate with consequences.  Cats vs dogs comparisons are like bicycles and cars.

If you let your cat, dog or kid outside, there is risk.  I'm not debating that.  That risk level, first of all, is known to you as you know your cat, dog or kid as well as the environment they are in.  Second, we have laws to keep our kids safe, and animal control and leash laws are lessons learned from centuries of risk assessment, and that pertains to cats also (although just neutering and shots).

from dogbite.org:  (look up the stats on cats and post freely - hint - dead birds, but mostly from feral)

Dog bite statistics

Dog bites and other dog-related injuries accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claim dollars paid out in 2016, costing more than $600 million.

Dog Bite Liability by Insurance Information Institute, 2017

In 2016, dogs attacked over 6,750 U.S. Postal Service employees -- over 200 more attacks than last year. The city of Los Angeles had the most attacks (80).

United States Postal Service (USPS), April 2017

Approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States. Nearly 1 out of 5 bites becomes infected.

Preventing Dog Bites, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 2015

In 2015, more than 28,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery as a result of being bitten by dogs.

2015 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2015

There was an 86% increase in dog bite-related hospitalization stays between 1993 and 2008 in the United States.

Emergency Department Visits and Inpatient Stays Involving Dog Bites, 2008 by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), 2010

The average cost of a dog bite-related hospital stay was $18,200, about 50% higher than the average injury-related hospital stay.

Emergency Department Visits and Inpatient Stays Involving Dog Bites, 2008 by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), 2010

There were 4 times as many dog bite-related ED visits and 3 times as many hospital stays in rural areas than in urban areas in 2008.

Emergency Department Visits and Inpatient Stays Involving Dog Bites, 2008 by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), 2010

In 2008, Medicare and Medicaid combined paid for 37% of all dog bite-related hospitalization stays in the United States.

Emergency Department Visits and Inpatient Stays Involving Dog Bites, 2008 by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), 2010

Adults with two or more dogs in the household are five times more likely to be bitten than those living without dogs in the home.

Dog bites: still a problem?, by Gilchrist J, Sacks JJ, White D, Kresnow MJ, Injury Prevention, 2008

Dog bites occur every 75 seconds in the United States. Each day, over 1,000 citizens need emergency medical care to treat these injuries.

Nonfatal Dog Bite-Related Injuries Treated in Hospital Emergency Departments - United States, 2001 by the CDC, 2003

Dog attack victims suffer over $1 billion in monetary losses annually. JAMA reports this estimate to be as high as $2 billion.

Dog Bites Recognized as Public Health Problem by R. Voelker, JAMA, 1997

↑ Back to top

Severe dog bite injury statistics

Our data were consistent with others, in that an operative intervention was more than 3 times as likely to be associated with a pit bull injury than with any other breed.

Characteristics of 1616 Consecutive Dog Bite Injuries at a Single Institution, by by Golinko et al., Clinical Pediatrics, July 2016

Our data revealed that pit bull breeds were more than 2.5 times as likely as other breeds to bite in multiple anatomical locations.

Characteristics of 1616 Consecutive Dog Bite Injuries at a Single Institution, by by Golinko et al., Clinical Pediatrics, July 2016

Most alarming is the observation that when attacks come from unfamiliar dogs, the pit bull was responsible for 60% and 63% of all injuries and ocular injuries, respectively.

Ocular Trauma From Dog Bites: Characterization, Associations, and Treatment Patterns at a Regional Level I Trauma Center Over 11 Years, by Prendes et al., Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, June 2015

Of the more than 8 different breeds identified, one-third were caused by pit bull terriers and resulted in the highest rate of consultation (94%) and had 5 times the relative rate of surgical intervention.

Dog bites of the head and neck: an evaluation of a common pediatric trauma and associated treatment, by O'Brien et al., BS, American Journal of Otolaryngology, January–February, 2015

Unlike all other breeds, pit bull terriers were relatively more likely to attack an unknown individual (+31%), and without provocation (+48%).

Dog bites of the head and neck: an evaluation of a common pediatric trauma and associated treatment, by O'Brien et al., BS, American Journal of Otolaryngology, January–February, 2015

Although a number of dog breeds were identified, the largest group were pit bull terriers, whose resultant injuries were more severe and resulted from unprovoked, unknown dogs.

Dog bites of the head and neck: an evaluation of a common pediatric trauma and associated treatment, by O'Brien et al., BS, American Journal of Otolaryngology, January–February, 2015

In this series, dogs causing the injury were overwhelmingly familiar with the patient: 53% of dogs belonged to the family ... In our series (as in Philadelphia), Pit bulls were most commonly responsible.

Morbidity of pediatric dog bites: A case series at a level one pediatric trauma center, by Garvey et al., Journal of Pediatric Surgery, February 2015

Attacks by pit bulls are associated with higher morbidity rates, higher hospital charges, and a higher risk of death than are attacks by other breeds of dogs.

Mortality, Mauling, and Maiming by Vicious Dogs, by Bini et al., Annals of Surgery, April 2011

↑ Back to top

Dog bite-related fatality statistics

In 2016, pit bulls accounted for 71% of all deaths, just over 7 times more than the next closest dog breed.

2016 U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities by DogsBite.org, 2017

In 2016, family dogs inflicted 45% of all dog bite fatalities. Family pit bulls accounted for 86% of these deaths.

2016 U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities by DogsBite.org, 2017

In 2016, 42%, of all dog bite fatality victims were either visiting or living temporarily with the dog's owner when the fatal attack occurred.

2016 U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities by DogsBite.org, 2017

In the 12-year period of 2005 to 2016, pit bulls mauled to death 254 Americans, about one citizen every 17 days.

12-Year U.S. Dog Bite Fatality Chart (2005 to 2016) by DogsBite.org, 2017

In the 12-year period of 2005 to 2016, two dog breeds accounted for 76% of the attacks that resulted in death: pit bulls and rottweilers.

12-Year U.S. Dog Bite Fatality Chart (2005 to 2016) by DogsBite.org, 2017

From 2005 to 2016, 46% of all fatal attacks involved more than one dog. Attacks involving pit bulls contributed to 72% of these deaths.

Discussion Notes - 2016 U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities by DogsBite.org, 2017

From 2005 to 2016, only 20% of all deaths resulted in criminal charges. Pit bulls accounted for 74% of these criminal cases.

Discussion Notes - 2016 U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities by DogsBite.org, 2017

By 2020, pit bulls are projected to maul 385 Americans to death since 1998, the year the CDC stopped tracking fatal dog attacks by breed.

Fatalpitbullattacks.com, 2017, Nonprofits Urge CDC to Resume Tracking Richer Data Set for Children and Adults Disfigured, Maimed and Killed by Dogs, DogsBite.org, 2014

In 2015, Pit bulls contributed to 82% (28) of the total recorded deaths, the highest fatality count on record for the breed.

2015 U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities by DogsBite.org, 2016

In 2015, the combination of pit bulls and rottweilers contributed to 91% of all dog bite-related fatalities.

2015 U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities by DogsBite.org, 2016

In 2015, 9% of the attacks resulting in death were inflicted by dogs rehomed by county operated shelters or rescues.

2015 U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities by DogsBite.org, 2016

2015 marked the first time a medical examiner ruled "suicide" as the manner of death in a fatal dog mauling.

2015 U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities by DogsBite.org, 2016

In 2014, loose dogs off their owner's property inflicted 40% of all fatal attacks, a sharp rise from the 10-year average of 24% (2005 to 2014).

2014 U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities by DogsBite.org, 2015

In the 3-year period of 2006 to 2008, 18% of all fatal dog attacks occurred off the owner's property. Pit bulls accounted for 81% of these deaths.

Report: U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities January 2006 to December 2008 by DogsBite.org, 2009

In 2012, "rescue" dogs accounted for 15% (6) of all deadly attacks. Of the adults killed, 3 females, each were killed by their own rescue dog.

2012 U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities by DogsBite.org, 2013

In the first eight months of 2011, nearly half of the persons killed by a pit bull was the dog's owner and primary caretaker.

2011 U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities by DogsBite.org, 2011

In 2011, adult victims of fatal pit bull maulings more than doubled the number of child victims.

2011 U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities by DogsBite.org, 2012

The data indicate that rottweilers and pit bull-type dogs accounted for 67% of human DBRF in the United States between 1997 and 1998. It is extremely unlikely that they accounted for anywhere near 60% of dogs in the United States during that same period and, thus, there appears to be a breed-specific problem with fatalities.

Breeds of Dogs Involved in Fatal Human Attacks in the United States Between 1979 and 1998, by Sacks, Sinclair, Gilchrist, Golab and Lockwood, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, September 15, 2000, Vol. 217, No. 6, Pages 836-840

↑ Back to top

Breed-specific law statistics

Over 1,000 U.S. cities have adopted breed-specific laws since the mid 1980s, just after pit bulls (fighting dogs) began leaking into the general population.

Estimated U.S. Cities, Counties and Military Facilities with Breed-Specific Laws by DogsBite.org, 2016

Over 290 U.S. military bases governed by the U.S. Air Force, Air Force Space Command, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps and Navy regulate dangerous dog breeds.

Estimated U.S. Cities, Counties and Military Facilities with Breed-Specific Laws by DogsBite.org, 2016

Over 40 countries across the world -- or parts within these countries -- regulate dangerous dog breeds with breed-specific laws.

Estimated U.S. Cities, Counties and Military Facilities with Breed-Specific Laws by DogsBite.org, 2016

nolaegghead

@fishlessman No, sadly.  Still working on it!

fishlessman

nolaegghead said:

@fishlessman No, sadly.  Still working on it!

this is probably a good time, the dog would be old enough to take to brisket camp, early socialization is everything

nolaegghead

fishlessman said:

nolaegghead said:

@fishlessman No, sadly.  Still working on it!

this is probably a good time, the dog would be old enough to take to brisket camp, early socialization is everything

The socialization aspect is covered.  We have people over here daily, plus our neighborhood is one where everyone talks to each other. 

@henapple and a friend just left yesterday after staying here for 4 days.  Tony hates cats but he loves Jazz and Foxy.

Photo Egg

nolaegghead said:

Photo Egg said:

nolaegghead said:

Photo Egg said:

OK, I will say it...If your neighbor's cat were secured and fenced up, your dogs never would have started chasing, let alone caught and killed it..."Most" cat owners live in a fantasy world where they feel their cats should be able to roam free, tear up my trash bags and crap in my freshly mowed yard. I use a humane trap and normally support my city animal control department by having them pick up 1 or 2 cats a month.
I am sorry that you have to deal with this and truly hope your neighbors learn a lesson as well.
I apologize in advance if your neighbors cat was just minding it's own business on it's own front porch and was taken out "Raptor" style by your tag team pups.
A cat owners belief that cats should be allowed to roam free because it's their in their nature should also be aware that nature has a food chain. Just like their cat stalking a bird.

It's against the law for owners to let their dogs roam in most all cities (and not cats) because they raise mayhem, injure people and property and get themselves hurt.  Plus the average cat weighs 8-9 pounds.   Not that cats can't do those same things, but it's exponentially worse with dogs, hence, unless you are in a neighborhood with a homeowner's organization that bans outdoor cats, it's not against the law to let your cats outdoors off a lease.  This is not fantasy, this is reality.  PS - most cats will find dirt to crap in, or your kid's sandbox.  They like to bury it. 

Robin - sorry about what happened.  It is in dog's nature to hunt.

..."Most" cat owners live in a fantasy world where they feel their cats should be able to roam free, tear up my trash bags and crap in my freshly mowed yard.

Yet it's still a true statement. Never said anything about legality. But a pet owner should hold themselves responsible. By letting their cat roam free it was at risk from another pet, owned by a responsible pet owner, who really makes an effort by fencing his dogs. I'm sure it's clear that I'm not a cat fan but hate to see ANY family pet get taken down or put down. But I also think it's foolish not to blame the cat owner as well. 

That's a loaded statement by the lowest bar imaginable...using "fantasy world" and directing all that fantasy to "my" this or that. 

So by that logic, you should blame a parent with a child for letting their kid play outside when mauled or killed by a dog.  Really makes sense, right?  Because if they wouldn't let their kid outside, they wouldn't get bit by any dogs running around.  Foolish to not blame them, as you said.

Responsibility should be commensurate with consequences.  Cats vs dogs comparisons are like bicycles and cars.

If you let your cat, dog or kid outside, there is risk.  I'm not debating that.  That risk level, first of all, is known to you as you know your cat, dog or kid as well as the environment they are in.  Second, we have laws to keep our kids safe, and animal control and leash laws are lessons learned from centuries of risk assessment, and that pertains to cats also (although just neutering and shots).

from dogbite.org:  (look up the stats on cats and post freely - hint - dead birds, but mostly from feral)

Dog bite statistics

Dog bites and other dog-related injuries accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claim dollars paid out in 2016, costing more than $600 million.

Dog Bite Liability by Insurance Information Institute, 2017

In 2016, dogs attacked over 6,750 U.S. Postal Service employees -- over 200 more attacks than last year. The city of Los Angeles had the most attacks (80).

United States Postal Service (USPS), April 2017

Approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States. Nearly 1 out of 5 bites becomes infected.

Preventing Dog Bites, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 2015

In 2015, more than 28,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery as a result of being bitten by dogs.

2015 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2015

There was an 86% increase in dog bite-related hospitalization stays between 1993 and 2008 in the United States.

Emergency Department Visits and Inpatient Stays Involving Dog Bites, 2008 by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), 2010

The average cost of a dog bite-related hospital stay was $18,200, about 50% higher than the average injury-related hospital stay.

Emergency Department Visits and Inpatient Stays Involving Dog Bites, 2008 by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), 2010

There were 4 times as many dog bite-related ED visits and 3 times as many hospital stays in rural areas than in urban areas in 2008.

Emergency Department Visits and Inpatient Stays Involving Dog Bites, 2008 by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), 2010

In 2008, Medicare and Medicaid combined paid for 37% of all dog bite-related hospitalization stays in the United States.

Emergency Department Visits and Inpatient Stays Involving Dog Bites, 2008 by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), 2010

Adults with two or more dogs in the household are five times more likely to be bitten than those living without dogs in the home.

Dog bites: still a problem?, by Gilchrist J, Sacks JJ, White D, Kresnow MJ, Injury Prevention, 2008

Dog bites occur every 75 seconds in the United States. Each day, over 1,000 citizens need emergency medical care to treat these injuries.

Nonfatal Dog Bite-Related Injuries Treated in Hospital Emergency Departments - United States, 2001 by the CDC, 2003

Dog attack victims suffer over $1 billion in monetary losses annually. JAMA reports this estimate to be as high as $2 billion.

Dog Bites Recognized as Public Health Problem by R. Voelker, JAMA, 1997

↑ Back to top

Severe dog bite injury statistics

Our data were consistent with others, in that an operative intervention was more than 3 times as likely to be associated with a pit bull injury than with any other breed.

Characteristics of 1616 Consecutive Dog Bite Injuries at a Single Institution, by by Golinko et al., Clinical Pediatrics, July 2016

Our data revealed that pit bull breeds were more than 2.5 times as likely as other breeds to bite in multiple anatomical locations.

Characteristics of 1616 Consecutive Dog Bite Injuries at a Single Institution, by by Golinko et al., Clinical Pediatrics, July 2016

Most alarming is the observation that when attacks come from unfamiliar dogs, the pit bull was responsible for 60% and 63% of all injuries and ocular injuries, respectively.

Ocular Trauma From Dog Bites: Characterization, Associations, and Treatment Patterns at a Regional Level I Trauma Center Over 11 Years, by Prendes et al., Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, June 2015

Of the more than 8 different breeds identified, one-third were caused by pit bull terriers and resulted in the highest rate of consultation (94%) and had 5 times the relative rate of surgical intervention.

Dog bites of the head and neck: an evaluation of a common pediatric trauma and associated treatment, by O'Brien et al., BS, American Journal of Otolaryngology, January–February, 2015

Unlike all other breeds, pit bull terriers were relatively more likely to attack an unknown individual (+31%), and without provocation (+48%).

Dog bites of the head and neck: an evaluation of a common pediatric trauma and associated treatment, by O'Brien et al., BS, American Journal of Otolaryngology, January–February, 2015

Although a number of dog breeds were identified, the largest group were pit bull terriers, whose resultant injuries were more severe and resulted from unprovoked, unknown dogs.

Dog bites of the head and neck: an evaluation of a common pediatric trauma and associated treatment, by O'Brien et al., BS, American Journal of Otolaryngology, January–February, 2015

In this series, dogs causing the injury were overwhelmingly familiar with the patient: 53% of dogs belonged to the family ... In our series (as in Philadelphia), Pit bulls were most commonly responsible.

Morbidity of pediatric dog bites: A case series at a level one pediatric trauma center, by Garvey et al., Journal of Pediatric Surgery, February 2015

Attacks by pit bulls are associated with higher morbidity rates, higher hospital charges, and a higher risk of death than are attacks by other breeds of dogs.

Mortality, Mauling, and Maiming by Vicious Dogs, by Bini et al., Annals of Surgery, April 2011

↑ Back to top

Dog bite-related fatality statistics

In 2016, pit bulls accounted for 71% of all deaths, just over 7 times more than the next closest dog breed.

2016 U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities by DogsBite.org, 2017

In 2016, family dogs inflicted 45% of all dog bite fatalities. Family pit bulls accounted for 86% of these deaths.

2016 U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities by DogsBite.org, 2017

In 2016, 42%, of all dog bite fatality victims were either visiting or living temporarily with the dog's owner when the fatal attack occurred.

2016 U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities by DogsBite.org, 2017

In the 12-year period of 2005 to 2016, pit bulls mauled to death 254 Americans, about one citizen every 17 days.

12-Year U.S. Dog Bite Fatality Chart (2005 to 2016) by DogsBite.org, 2017

In the 12-year period of 2005 to 2016, two dog breeds accounted for 76% of the attacks that resulted in death: pit bulls and rottweilers.

12-Year U.S. Dog Bite Fatality Chart (2005 to 2016) by DogsBite.org, 2017

From 2005 to 2016, 46% of all fatal attacks involved more than one dog. Attacks involving pit bulls contributed to 72% of these deaths.

Discussion Notes - 2016 U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities by DogsBite.org, 2017

From 2005 to 2016, only 20% of all deaths resulted in criminal charges. Pit bulls accounted for 74% of these criminal cases.

Discussion Notes - 2016 U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities by DogsBite.org, 2017

By 2020, pit bulls are projected to maul 385 Americans to death since 1998, the year the CDC stopped tracking fatal dog attacks by breed.

Fatalpitbullattacks.com, 2017, Nonprofits Urge CDC to Resume Tracking Richer Data Set for Children and Adults Disfigured, Maimed and Killed by Dogs, DogsBite.org, 2014

In 2015, Pit bulls contributed to 82% (28) of the total recorded deaths, the highest fatality count on record for the breed.

2015 U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities by DogsBite.org, 2016

In 2015, the combination of pit bulls and rottweilers contributed to 91% of all dog bite-related fatalities.

2015 U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities by DogsBite.org, 2016

In 2015, 9% of the attacks resulting in death were inflicted by dogs rehomed by county operated shelters or rescues.

2015 U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities by DogsBite.org, 2016

2015 marked the first time a medical examiner ruled "suicide" as the manner of death in a fatal dog mauling.

2015 U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities by DogsBite.org, 2016

In 2014, loose dogs off their owner's property inflicted 40% of all fatal attacks, a sharp rise from the 10-year average of 24% (2005 to 2014).

2014 U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities by DogsBite.org, 2015

In the 3-year period of 2006 to 2008, 18% of all fatal dog attacks occurred off the owner's property. Pit bulls accounted for 81% of these deaths.

Report: U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities January 2006 to December 2008 by DogsBite.org, 2009

In 2012, "rescue" dogs accounted for 15% (6) of all deadly attacks. Of the adults killed, 3 females, each were killed by their own rescue dog.

2012 U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities by DogsBite.org, 2013

In the first eight months of 2011, nearly half of the persons killed by a pit bull was the dog's owner and primary caretaker.

2011 U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities by DogsBite.org, 2011

In 2011, adult victims of fatal pit bull maulings more than doubled the number of child victims.

2011 U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities by DogsBite.org, 2012

The data indicate that rottweilers and pit bull-type dogs accounted for 67% of human DBRF in the United States between 1997 and 1998. It is extremely unlikely that they accounted for anywhere near 60% of dogs in the United States during that same period and, thus, there appears to be a breed-specific problem with fatalities.

Breeds of Dogs Involved in Fatal Human Attacks in the United States Between 1979 and 1998, by Sacks, Sinclair, Gilchrist, Golab and Lockwood, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, September 15, 2000, Vol. 217, No. 6, Pages 836-840

↑ Back to top

Breed-specific law statistics

Over 1,000 U.S. cities have adopted breed-specific laws since the mid 1980s, just after pit bulls (fighting dogs) began leaking into the general population.

Estimated U.S. Cities, Counties and Military Facilities with Breed-Specific Laws by DogsBite.org, 2016

Over 290 U.S. military bases governed by the U.S. Air Force, Air Force Space Command, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps and Navy regulate dangerous dog breeds.

Estimated U.S. Cities, Counties and Military Facilities with Breed-Specific Laws by DogsBite.org, 2016

Over 40 countries across the world -- or parts within these countries -- regulate dangerous dog breeds with breed-specific laws.

Estimated U.S. Cities, Counties and Military Facilities with Breed-Specific Laws by DogsBite.org, 2016

Yes, I agree, Dog bites are bad and happen way more than people probably think. There must be a great number that are not even reported, so numbers should be higher.
If parents opened the door and let their children run free every time they scratched at the door, with no monitoring, the crimes we would be talking about would much more serious. So comparing wondering children to wondering cats is a poor example as well.
I do agree with most of your points and your data base skills. There are MANY people who own pets that should not.