Owner Responsibility Cited As Key To $1 Billion-A-Year,
4.7 Million Dog Bites; Half of Victims Are Children
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - While dogs are often
referred to as man's best friend, the Insurance
Information Network of California (IINC) warns that with
one bite they can become a physical and financial enemy.
More than 4.7 million dog bites occur in the United
States annually, the public relations organization says,
and more than half of the victims are children. Dog
attacks account for one-third of all liability claims on
homeowners insurance policies, according to IINC, and
the insurance industry pays out more than $1 billion for
dog bite claims each year.
Although most dog bites
do not cause serious injury, IINC said, even one minor
bite can affect what a homeowner pays for insurance. The
network maintains that being a responsible dog owner is
the key to preventing dangerous and costly bites, and
offers suggestions to dog owners.
- Spay or neuter you
dog. Non-neutered dogs are three times more likely
to bite than neutered dogs.
- Train and socialize
your dog. Participate in the training process and
carefully introduce your dog to different people and
situations.
- Don't play aggressive
games like "wrestling" or "tug of
war." Instead play "fetch" or some
type of non-threatening activity.
- Spend time with your
dog. Dogs who spend a lot of time alone or chained
up often become dangerous.
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