Pit Bull Attacks

The pit bull makes up nearly 6% of the dog population in the United States at over 4.5 million dogs.

Are Pit Bulls a Popular Breed in the US?

It’s estimated that more than half of all pit bulls are currently available for sale or adoption. Pit bulls remain in shelters three times longer than other breeds. Regrettably, forty percent of pitbulls in shelters are euthanized annually — that’s 1 million dogs.

Some pit bulls are bred for their fighting abilities and tendencies. It’s not uncommon to hear other people say that they dislike pit bulls, and families feel they shouldn’t have a pit bull around their younger children.

Pit Bull Bites and Attacks Contributing to Injury and Death

In 2019, pit bulls killed 33 people.

In the last decade, medical studies have found that pit bulls cause more severe injuries that require medical intervention than other breeds.

Pit bulls are the breed that kill the most American females and children, responsible for more than half of fatal dog attacks on women and girls.

How Often Do Pit Bulls Kill Other Animals?

The number of pit bull attacks in the media have given the breed a reputation for aggressiveness towards humans, but plenty of smaller dog breeds — like Dachshunds and Chihuahuas — have a tendency to nip at people.

Pit bulls account for 84% of all dogs that kill animals. This includes killing other dogs, pets, and livestock of either a family member’s or a stranger’s.

Other Facts About Pit Bulls

The American Temperament Test Society found that pit bulls on average have a 82% passing rate of its temperament test, above the 77% of average of all dog breeds. This puts pit bullets above Doberman Pinschers (80%), Bullmastiffs (79%), and Chihuahuas (69%).

Pit bulls do not have the strongest bite of all breeds. They also do not have “locking” jaws, a myth perpetuated by misinformation. It is mostly the dog’s size and strength that makes a pit bull’s bite destructive.

Pit bull bites are still attributed to owners’ errors in training and socializing their dog, rather than a “bully” breed’s inherent characteristics.

What Should You Do After Being Bitten by a Pit Bull?

If you were bitten by a pit bull, wash your wound with soap and water right away. This can reduce the risk of serious infection.

Immediately have your pit bull bite seen by a doctor who can administer any necessary treatments and document your injuries, thus helping your dog bite lawyer provide evidence to the insurance company.

Contact your local animal control division to report the dog bite. If you are able, photograph your injuries and write down the situation surrounding the attack — be sure to include locations, and your actions before and after the bite.

Gather contact information of any witnesses to the dog bite.

Finally, you should rely on a lawyer’s guidance whether to file a lawsuit against the pit bull’s owner and recover your damages.

Contact Us After a Pit Bull Attack

When a pit bull injures or attacks you, or someone you know, contact a California dog bite attorney immediately. Our lawyers are experienced in pit bull bite claims and will work to help you obtain all the compensation you may be entitled to. Contact us to review your case.