Dog bites and dog facts

(WTNH) -- Here's some information about dogs and the number of dog bite injuries in the U.S. and the costs.

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Dog Facts in the USA

According to the 2011-2012 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association :

• 62 percent of American households have a pet (72.9 million homes).
• Total number of pets owned (millions):
• Cat -- 86.4
• Dog -- 78.2
• Bird -- 16.2
• Freshwater Fish -- 151.1

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What is a Pit Bull

From dogsbite.org , "A pit bull type dog is a combination of dog breeds that includes the American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, American bulldog and any other pure bred or mixed breed dog that is a combination of these dogs. Read More

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The World's Most Dangerous Dogs

According to numbers crunched by The Daily Beast , the most vicious dogs are:

1. Pit Bull, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier
2. Chow Chow
3. Rottweiler
4. Akita
5. Bull Mastiff  

Report: Dog attack deaths and maimings, U.S. & Canada, September 1982 to December 26, 2011 .

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Breed Specific Legislation:

Some states and municipalities have created laws that target one specific breed, such as Pit Bulls. Pawtucket, Rhode Island , is one city that bans Pit Bulls.

Understand-a-bull.com , a site that opposes breed specific legislation, lists each state and whether there are state or local laws regarding certain dog breeds.

Similar information is at dogsbite.org , which also lists which breeds that are banned by the U.S. military on bases .

The Humane Society of the United States opposes Breed Specific Legislation.

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Dog Bite Injuries

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , each year:

• 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs
• 800,000 Americans seek medical attention for dog bites, half of these are children.
• 386,000 require treatment in an emergency department
• About 16 die from dog bites
• The rate of dog bite-related injuries is highest for children ages 5 to 9 years

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Dog Bite Costs

State Farm Insurance said it paid out more than $109 million in 2011 for dog bite claims. The Insurance Information Institute estimates insurers across the country paid nearly $479 million in dog bite claims. The top five states where claims were paid:

1. California
2. Illinois
3. Texas
4. Ohio
5. Pennsylvania    

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What To Do If You Think A Dog May Attack

The Humane Society of the United States says if you are approached by a dog who may attack you, follow these steps:

• Resist the impulse to scream and run away.
• Remain motionless, hands at your sides, and avoid eye contact with the dog.
• Once the dog loses interest in you, slowly back away until he is out of sight.
• If the dog does attack, "feed" him your jacket, purse, bicycle, or anything that you can put between yourself and the dog.
• If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your ears and remain motionless. Try not to scream or roll around.

Also from the Humane Society:

• Prevent Your Dog From Biting
• Dog Aggression