Latest news with #Pitbulls
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Mac's Law: New bill would prohibit insurance discrimination against dog breeds
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — A proposed law, named after a dog, will soon be introduced in the Pennsylvania House and will work to prevent discrimination against different breeds. Mac's Law would prevent homeowners from being discriminated against solely based on the breed of dog they own. In a memo, Representative Kathleen Tomlinson shared that a constituent in her area spoke up on issues that they had with getting homeowners insurance due to the fact that they owned a pitbull. ''Mac' the pit bull never had a history of being aggressive, and to be perfectly clear, he wouldn't hurt a fly. He was judged by an insurer purely because of his breed,' Tomlinson wrote. Pennsylvania parking ticket fines could change under new bill The proposed legislation would prohibit this type of discrimination. The stereotype against pitbulls isn't something that's new as it's estimated that nearly 800 cities and towns have Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL). Things like breed discriminatory legislation are the result of misinformation, stereotypes and irresponsible ownership that can reinforce it. BSL most often impacts Pitbulls, Staffordshire Terriers, English Bull Terriers, but it's been known in other areas to include Rottweilers, Mastiffs, Dalmatians, Chow Chows, German Shepherds and Doberman Pinschers. It can also affect mutts or other dogs that resemble them. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that there are 4.7 million dog bites each year and 800,000 will require medical attention. It's also worth noting that critics argue that 100% of locations that have BSL will continue to see reports of bites as 'safety is not a breed-specific issue.' Tomlinson goes on to argue in her memo that while prohibiting discrimination, her legislation would also take into account if a dog has an aggressive history. You can read the full memo here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Mail
27-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
10 most aggressive dog breeds revealed in new study... with some surprising results
A new study has revealed the breeds most likely to land their owners in legal and medical trouble, as dog bite injuries and lawsuits surge across the US. While some names on the list will come as no surprise, like Pit bulls and Rottweilers, one of America's most beloved dogs, the Labrador retriever has made a shocking appearance in the top 10. A recent analysis by Orlando-based Fighter Law examined dog bite data from 2021 to 2023 and ranked breeds by their 'danger score,' a measurement of bite incidents and their severity, fatalities, and vaccination rates. Not surprisingly, Pit bulls topped the list with a danger score of 90.0, responsible for 26.74 percent of all bites and 61 fatalities during the study period. What caught many by surprise was the appearance of the Labrador retriever on the list, ranked 10th with a danger score of 38.6. Normally known for their docile nature, Labradors accounted for 6.28 percent of bites during the period studied, a notable figure given their reputation as family-friendly pets. However, Labrador retrievers are consistently ranked as one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. Recent study shows an estimated 4.5 million Americans were bitten by dogs, with roughly 800,000 requiring medical treatment. According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bite claims increased to 19,062 in 2023. That number rose further in 2024, with 22,658 claims reported nationwide. More than half of the victims were children, and one in five bites required medical attention, according to the CDC. The financial consequences are staggering. In addition to that, In a recent stats, Dog Bite Statistics reported about 30 to 50 deaths each year. The Insurance Information Institute reports that insurance companies paid over $1.1billion in dog bite claims in 2023, with the average claim costing nearly $58,545. Last year, that number ballooned to $1.57 billion, with the average claim rising to $69,272. These aren't just isolated bites either, some end in tragedy. In Ohio, a mother and son were sentenced to more than 10 years in prison in February, after their two pit bulls fatally mauled a 73-year-old neighbor. A jury found them guilty of felony involuntary manslaughter and violating Ohio's dangerous dog laws. Still, some breeds appear in headlines and courtrooms far more often. Fighter Law's analysis reveals the 10 breeds most likely to send you to the hospital or the courthouse: 1. American Pit Bull Terrier Pit Bulls were responsible for 284 deaths, more than 65 percent of all fatal dog attacks in the U.S. Experts cite their powerful bite and strong prey drive as key risks. Pit bulls were the most reported breed with 579 bite incidents from 2021 to 2023, responsible for 75 percent of fatalities among the 10 most aggressive breeds. They have a danger score of 90 out of 100, a severe bite rate of 21.6 percent, and a low vaccination rate. Known for their muscular build and bite force, have been involved in publicized attacks, leading to Florida's new liability insurance laws and scrutiny from lawmakers and insurers. 2. Shepherd Shepherd breeds, excluding German shepherds, are second in bite incidents, with two fatalities and a danger score of 57.2, accounted for 227 bite incidents. This family of canines includes over two dozen breeds, including Australian shepherd, Anatolian shepherd, Shetland sheepdog, Miniature American shepherd, and Dutch shepherd, Border Collie, and Old English sheepdog. Highly intelligent and frequently employed in police and military work, shepherds are protective by nature. However, improper training or socialization can trigger aggressive behavior. 3. Boxer Boxers have been involved in 39 bite incidents, including one fatality, giving them a severe bite rate of 25.6 percent and a danger score of 54.5. Known for their athleticism and playful energy, boxers can still cause serious injuries when provoked or stressed. Their vaccination rate is just under 18 percent. In several recent cases, boxers have bitten children or strangers during high-stress situations or perceived threats, underscoring the importance of responsible ownership, even with typically friendly breeds. 4. Rottweilers Rottweilers were involved in 51 reported bite incidents, including seven fatalities, one of the highest death counts among dog breeds. Known for their guarding instincts and protective nature, Rottweilers have been linked to several fatal attacks, including a 2021 case in California where a delivery driver was killed. Experts say the breed requires consistent training and early socialization to reduce the risk of aggression. 5. German Shepherds German shepherds were involved in 252 bite incidents and two fatalities, earning them a danger score of 48.8. Their severe bite rate of 13.1 percent. Though commonly used as service and police dogs, German shepherds' strong protective instincts can lead to aggression if not properly trained and managed. In 2023, a German shepherd in Texas made headlines after mauling a toddler, illustrating the breed's potential for danger if left unchecked. 6. Australian Cattle Dog Australian Cattle dogs were involved in 43 bite incidents, though none were fatal. They carry a danger score of 44.9, with a vaccination rate of 23.3 percent and a severe bite rate of 16.3 percent. Known for their intelligence and high energy, this herding breed requires experienced, active owners. Without proper training and regular exercise, Australian Cattle dogs may show aggression, especially toward strangers or other animals. 7. Cane Corso With four fatalities on record, Cane Corsos have drawn concern for their strength and guarding behavior. The Cane Corso, a large Italian mastiff breed, was involved in 30 bite incidents and four fatalities. It has a severe bite rate of 23.3 percent and a danger score of 41.9, along with a relatively high vaccination rate of 46.7 percent. Known for their strength, loyalty, and guarding instincts, Cane Corsos can pose serious risks if not properly trained and socialized. The breed has been the focus of breed-specific legislation in parts of Europe and the US following several fatal attacks. 8. Doberman Pinscher Dobermans were involved in 28 bite incidents with no reported fatalities, earning a danger score of 40.8. Their vaccination rate stands at 14.3 percent, and they have a severe bite rate of 7.1 percent. Known for their loyalty and alertness, Dobermans are often used as personal protection dogs. While typically trainable and devoted, they can show aggression if poorly socialized, especially when they sense a threat to their owners. 9. Mastiff Mastiffs were linked to 19 bite incidents and three fatalities, earning a danger score of 39.4. Their vaccination rate was 15.8 percent, and they had a severe bite rate of 5.3 percent. Their massive size and strength mean bites can be particularly harmful. Several reported attacks involved mastiffs in residential settings where they escaped confinement. 10. Labrador Retriever The Labrador retriever is a surprising entry on the list. Despite their reputation as friendly family pets, Labs were involved in 136 bite incidents, more than six percent of all cases, though none were fatal. Most incidents involving Labradors stemmed from unprovoked bites or lapses in supervision, underscoring that even the most beloved breeds are not exempt from situations that can lead to injury or legal consequences. States are now taking legislative action. Florida's 'Paw Rock Act' named after a mail carrier killed by a dog in 2022 requires owners of dogs that have attacked to carry a minimum of $100,000 in liability insurance. New York took a different approach. Rather than banning specific breeds, its new law prevents insurers from discriminating based solely on breed, focusing instead on individual dog behavior. In brief, while Pit bulls, Rottweilers, and shepherds grab headlines for severe and fatal bites, the Labrador Retriever's unexpected spot in the top ten shows that no breed is risk-free without proper training and care. Dog bite injuries and lawsuits demonstrate that responsible ownership and the dog's bite are more important factors in ensuring the safety of both communities and dogs, regardless of the breed.
Newsweek
26-05-2025
- General
- Newsweek
Shelter Dog Thinks He's Being Sent Back After Day Out – but He's Wrong
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A heartwarming adoption story from Burlington, North Carolina, has gone viral on TikTok, leaving users across the platform in tears. The clip shared earlier in May under the username @haleighcw_xx, shows the pitbull pup, Ruby, lying on the back of her new owner's car, driving home from the shelter, Burlington Animal Services, after spending a fun day together. However, Ruby has no idea what's happening, as she gazes at the poster with loving eyes, filled with gratitude for the great memories they made together, and a hint of sadness, because she's thinks she's going back to her kennel. "She thinks I'm returning her to the shelter after her dog day out/ sleepover. Little does she know I'm signing her adoption paperwork", she says in the clip. "I knew as soon as I took her out of the shelter I wouldn't be able to return this sweet baby. Welcome to the family, Ruby." the caption says. Pitbulls often find themselves struggling to find a new home in shelter, and that is likely due to their reputation for being aggressive. A study by Arizona State University published in PLOS ONE found that dogs labeled as pitbulls in shelters had three times less chance of getting adopted than other canines because people are afraid of them. However, once their labels were removed, the same dogs nobody was interested in before were actually getting adopted, which means that the practice of labeling dogs in shelters may be inadvertently penalizing those canines. Of the millions of dogs that enter shelters across the country each year, pitbulls constitute the majority. According to Rescue Dog Home, pitbulls end up in shelters more than any other dog, and are also euthanized in the greatest numbers too. Only 1 in 600 pitbulls in shelters ever find a forever home. Moreover, pitbulls make up around around 33 percent of dogs arriving in shelters, and at least 75 percent of shelters euthanize them immediately upon intake. A stock image shows a pitbull riding in the front seat of a car. A stock image shows a pitbull riding in the front seat of a car. getty images The video quickly went viral on social media and it has so far received over 4.3 million views and 590,200 likes on the platform. One user, Cawncec, commented: "Well tell her right now... I can't take that face." Alidacloete92 said: "And please get her a pup cup for stressing her out." Positivenellyy added: "This is why I can't do fosters or doggy day outs because then my house will be filled with dogs." Newsweek reached out to @haleighcw_xx for comment via TikTok comments. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
Dogs poisoned in Tuscaloosa County, still no arrests
TUSCALOOSA, Ala (WIAT) – A community just north of the Tuscaloosa city limits is being asked to remain on high alert following the death of three dogs who were poisoned. 'This is just evil,' Julie Lary said. 'There's no other word for it but evil.' Lary moved to Coaling about a year ago. It's a small and quaint town with few business, but a lot of families. That's why it's hard to believe what's happening in her own neighborhood. Lawmakers vow to refile bills after they die in 2025 legislative session 'This past week we found motor oil and anti-freeze mixed in, poured over our fence line,' Lary said. Lary has two Pitbulls, which are more than family pets – they're family. Her fur babies like to spend more time inside napping and snuggling than they do outside, Lary said. But a Monday night bathroom break evolved into an investigation. 'We are stepping up patrols,' Coaling Mayor Gary Averett said. 'Especially in subdivisions where animals are pretty much confined.' Lary's neighbors, the Lolley family, are searching for answers after their dog Sophie was poisoned. 'Sophie did not deserve this,' Lary said. 'She is a sweet, beautiful dog and now she's gone.' Sophie died Sunday night before making it to an emergency veterinarian. But, at the time, the cause of her death was unknown – until the Larys found the motor oil and anti-freeze in their yard. 'We knew that our neighbor's dogs passed just a few days before, so [my husband] called him, [our neighbor] came over and said 'that's exactly what Sophie threw up,'' Lary said. 'The vet has confirmed that that is what killed those dogs – poisoning,' Averett said. Lary considers her family lucky – their dogs are still alive, but their hearts go out to the Lolley family. In the last couple of days, the Lolley's are not the first family this happened to, but Coaling's mayor hopes they're the last. 'We need to establish a good community watch,' Averett said. 'We're encouraging all of our people to be on alert, if you see anything suspicious call 911.' The town of Coaling does have a 24/7 dispatcher, but for anyone with more information you can also contact Coaling's police department by messaging them on Facebook. 'We will do everything we can to catch this perpetrator and prosecute him the fullest extent that the law will allow us to do,' Averett said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Yahoo
7 dogs ‘sedated, euthanized on scene' after 4-year-old girl dies from attack: PD
**Related Video Above: What to do during an animal attack HUNTINGBURG, Ind. (WJW) — A 4-year-old girl died following a dog attack at an Indiana home last week where a woman also died, police said in a statement. 'Gut-wrenching': 152 dogs rescued from 'extremely poor' conditions in Utah home After being dispatched to a Huntingburg residence on April 14, first responders said they found a 53-year-old woman and a 4-year-old girl 'unresponsive.' The woman, identified as Oliva Mora Regalado, was pronounced dead at the scene, but the little girl, named Evelynn Lopez, was taken to a hospital in Jasper where she later died, Huntingburg police said. Upon investigation, including an autopsy, police said Regalado was determined to have suffered from a medical emergency caused by a preexisting condition. 'For unknown reasons, police believe that dog(s) inside the residence then attacked Evelynn, who was the only other person inside the residence,' police said in a statement. Police said they found six Pitbulls and one poodle mix at the home and that 'for the safety of everyone involved and the preservation of evidence, all dogs were sedated and then euthanized on scene.' 'Had no warning': Grandma who was deaf mauled to death by neighbor dogs in her backyard Police said the child died from injuries due to a dog attack. It was not clear if the woman and child were related or what their relationship was. No criminal charges have been filed but an investigation is ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
