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Some pet owners in New Jersey have taken objection to law enforcement officers and the public categorizing pit bulls as cold and vicious killers. While New Jersey law doesn’t specifically identify pit bulls as unlawful, public perception of these dogs is quite different. Pit Bulls are often feared and regarded as dangerous dogs with a propensity to bite. However, are they really vicious killers? The term pit bull is a blanket term that is often used to describe multiple breeds of dog, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bulldog, American Bully, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Over the years, dog lovers and even safety experts have cautioned the public against making breed-specific assumptions. Even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stopped collecting breed-specific data relating to dog-bite fatalities.
Are Pit Bulls More Dangerous Than Other Dogs?
All dogs can bite. In 2017, there were nearly 90 million dogs in the United States. Of those dogs, 5 to 10 million were estimated to be “pit bull” varieties.
According to the CDC, when a dog attacks, the majority of victims are young children between the ages of 5 and 9. Because of their small size and vulnerability, even small dogs can cause serious harm to young children.
Pit Bulls are said to have a strong bite, which can make their bites even more deadly. Yet, according to some statistics, the Pit Bull isn’t even in the top 12 list of strongest breeds’ bites according to force. That top honor goes to the Kangal. Yet Pit Bulls are still feared by the public for their strong jaws and supposedly dangerous demeanor.
So how common are fatal Pit Bull attacks? You’re actually more likely to be killed by a hot dog than a Pit Bull. Your chance of being killed in a dog attack is just 1 in 116,448. Your chance of being killed by a hot dog is 1 in 3,375.
New Jersey Dog Owner Liability
In New Jersey, dog owners are held legally responsible in a civil lawsuit when their dog injures or harms another person. Even if the dog did not have a known propensity to attack or bite, owners are still responsible for the damages and injuries their dog caused. If the dog has a prior history of violence against people or animals, the owner is legally responsible for taking additional precautions. This could include muzzling the dog in public, placing a fence around the perimeter of the yard, and keeping the dog on a leash and in control at all times.
Have You Suffered from a New Jersey Dog Bite Injury?
If you or someone you love has suffered from a dog bite injury in New Jersey, you may need more compensation than you realize. Dog bite injuries can become infected and can result in serious complications, disfigurement, and even amputation. When this occurs, we can help. Call the Vineland, New Jersey dog bite accident attorneys at Rosner Law Offices, P.C. today for a free initial consultation and review of your potential case. Contact us at (856) 502-1655 or fill out our confidential contact form. Our office is conveniently located in Vineland, New Jersey, so we are there when you need us. Call today!
Additional Reading
Off-Leash Dogs in New Jersey Can Cause Horrific Dog Bite Injuries