Dogs can be wonderful companions. They can relieve stress, promote social and emotional development in children, and some studies even report dogs can detect certain forms of cancer or predict imminent epileptic seizures. We find that to be incredible.
But dogs can also be dangerous — even deadly.
Over the weekend, a member of our editorial board learned an out-of-state loved one, a 10-year-old child, had been attacked by a pack of dogs — and brutally so.
Since then, we have learned of a 3-month-old baby who just this week was attacked and killed by two “pit-bull type” dogs inside a home in Rochester. Both instances hit much too close to home.
It is for this reason we feel compelled to implore our readers to take appropriate precautions to protect their families from an unlikely — yet possible — animal attack. Consider this writing to be a public service announcement of sorts.
The Centers for Disease Control reports about 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the U.S. Of those, an average of 43 attacks each year are fatal, although, in 2021, 81 were reported.
There is a lot of debate over what makes a dog likely to attack.
Organizations like dogsbite.org point to the animal breed as the largest predictor of violence. They advocate for a ban on pit bulls and pit bull breeding. They support breed-specific legislation which would make it mandatory to spay/neuter and microchip certain dog breeds.
Organizations like the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, The Humane Society of the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and the National Animal Control Association are opposed to breed-specific legislation.
Those organizations, and many others, believe dog bans to be discriminatory and say they do not address the more causative issue of irresponsible pet ownership.
We tend to agree with those organizations.
Rather than banning specific dog breeds, we should instead focus on legislation that would prevent chronically irresponsible owners from having a dog in the first place.
New York state agricultural and markets law allows for an animal ownership ban on those convicted of animal cruelty, neglect or abuse, and we support those bans fully. If you cannot properly care for an animal, you shouldn’t be allowed to own one — for the safety of not only the dog, but those around them.
Dogs bite for a lot of reasons. And, while there is no sure-fire way to prevent an attack, there are things you can do to mitigate risk:
•If an animal is visibly agitated or stressed, avoid it.
•Be aware of triggers: Dogs can become triggered by illness, injury, loud noises, unfamiliar people or places, and unexpected touching.
•Never leave babies or young children alone with a dog — even the family pet.
•Teach your children not to bother a dog while it is eating, sleeping or caring for puppies.
•Remember, any dog can bite, regardless of breed.
•Teach your children not to approach a dog they do not know.
•Have your pet spayed or neutered. Studies show intact male dogs tend to be more aggressive.
Ultimately, the responsibility lies with both pet owners and parents to ensure safety. Pet owners must ensure their dogs are properly trained, cared for, and supervised, while parents should educate their children about safe behavior around animals. By fostering a culture of responsible pet ownership and vigilant parenting, we can reduce the risk of attacks and create safer communities for everyone. Let’s work together to promote education, awareness, and accountability, ensuring that our beloved pets remain the wonderful companions they are meant to be, and that our children are protected.
— The Oneonta (New York) Daily Star
