Interesting Statistics

Although there are no accurate or even near accurate census records for dogs in the United States, in some populations, Pit Bulls are estimated to comprise some 30-40% of the dog population, making it a very popular breed. They are also the most neglected and abused breed in the United States.

Below are some statistics and facts that will help dispel the common myths and rumors surrounding Pit Bulls.

• Over the 37-year period from 1965-2001, Pit Bulls have been blamed for an average of 2.48 human fatalities per year. That's less than almost any other breed of dog. Unfortunately, most other incidents involving other breeds of dogs are never reported. This means that other breeds would account for an even higher number of dog attacks per year. This shows that Pit Bulls are even less likely to be involved in these types of incidents.

• About 40 people (children) per year die by drowning in 5-gallon water pails. A person, during their lifetime, is 16 times more likely to drown in a 5-gallon water pail than to be killed by a Pit Bull.

• Approximately 50 children in the United States are killed every year by their cribs. This is 25 times the number of children and adults killed Pit Bulls.

• Approximately 150 people are killed every year by falling coconuts. Therefore, you are more than 60 times more likely to be killed by a palm tree than a Pit Bull.

• Each year, 350 people drown in their bathtubs. You are 151 times more likely to be killed by your bathtub than by a Pit Bull.

• It is estimated that about 500 deaths per year are caused by Aspirin. You are over 200 times more likely to die from taking Aspirin than from a Pit Bull attack.

• Every year more than 2,000 children in the United States are killed by their parents or guardians either through abuse or neglect. A child is more than 800 times more likely to be killed by their adult caretaker than by a Pit Bull.

• It is estimated that 5,000,000 dogs are killed in shelters per year. Since in many places Pit Bulls make up 30-50% of the shelter population, and are less likely to be considered for placement than any other breed, it is a reasonable estimate to say that 25% of those dogs are killed. Therefore, it can be assumed that 1.25 million Pit Bulls are killed per year.

  THIS MEANS THAT IT IS AT LEAST HALF A MILLION TIMES MORE LIKELY THAT A PIT BULL WILL BE KILLED BY A HUMAN THAN THE OTHER WAY AROUND.

PUNISH THE DEED, NOT THE BREED.

• RESOURCES:
  Facts from "Fatal Dog Attacks" by Karen Delise
  Additional facts from the National Safety Council
  Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention