11 Years of Police Gunfire: Pit Bulls Top the Charts
72% of Dogs Shot are Pit BullsNew York, NY - The New York City police department recently submitted a detailed "gunfire" study to New York City Council members. The report covers the years from 1996 to 2006. The data shows that police officers fire their weapons far less than they did a decade ago. It also shows that when dogs are shot, 72% percent are pit bulls. When officers fired at dogs, roughly 55% percent of shots hit home versus 34% when directed at humans.
The substantial number of bullets directed at pit bulls, as opposed to other dogs, illustrates the unique danger pit bulls pose.
1996-2006 dog breeds shot by police
New York City Police DepartmentWhen picked apart, the report shows a remarkable portrait of how the nation’s largest police force, with 36,000 officers, uses its guns. Every shot, from gunfight to accident to suicide, both on and off-duty, is accounted for. The data also shows that the New York City Police Department is the most restrained in the country. So per capita, it is possible that in cities such as Los Angeles and Houston,
more pit bulls are shot for public safety reasons.
The only major U.S. cities that will not reflect similar numbers are Denver and Miami, both of which ban pit bull type dogs. Related articles:05/17/09:
10 Shots Stop Pit Bull Attack on Pregnant Woman and Officer06/06/08:
Cincinnati Police Kill Two Pit Bulls in Separate Shootings in Same Day
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