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New Hampshire

Are Dogs A Real Danger?

A National Canine Research Council Perspective Report

Over the past 43 years (1965 - 2007) there have been two (2) fatal dog attacks in New Hampshire, or approximately one (1) fatality every 21 years.

Two different breeds/types of dogs were involved in the fatal attacks in New Hampshire.

The victims were: 2 children.

Both cases involved a young unsupervised child and a single dog.

New Hampshire has not had a fatal dog attack in over 14 years (1993).

In spite of the negligent or dangerous ownership practices of some dog owners, dogs still pose an incredibly low risk for causing a fatality:

Fatal Dog Attacks in New Hampshire as Compared to Other Selected Risks:

New Hampshire Fatalities:  5 Year Span:    2000-2004

Persons killed by dogs:    0
Death after contact w/bees,  hornets or wasps:    2
Bicycle-related fatalities:    8
Persons drowned in bathtubs or swimming pools:   10
ATV-related fatalities:  27

According to the U.S. Department of Heatlh and Human Services:

In 2005, two (2) New Hampshire children died as the result of maltreatment (abuse or neglect).

In a SINGLE YEAR, 2005, the same amount of New Hampshire children died from maltreatment (abuse/neglect) as the TOTAL from ALL dog attacks in New Hampshire over the past 43 years.

So, are dogs a danger?  Fact is, people in New Hampshire routinely accept far greater risks from bicycles, ATVs and swimming pools than any that are associated with companion animals.

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