Dog bite fatality citations ::

U.S. dog bite fatality citations are primarily gathered through news reports at the time of the attack. Copies of news reports are available upon request. Learn more about our data collection method.

2021 U.S. Dog Bite Fatality Citations
2021 U.S. dog bite-related fatality citations are currently being gathered.

2020 U.S. Dog Bite Fatality Citations
In 2020, less than 580 dog bite-related fatality news reports were obtained, a steep reduction from pre-Covid. In response, our nonprofit sent out 30 FOIAs to law enforcement and coroner offices.

2019 U.S. Dog Bite Fatality Citations
In 2019, over 1,050 dog bite-related fatality news reports were collected from local, regional and national news sources, as well as audio dispatch logs, photographs and certain police reports.

2018 U.S. Dog Bite Fatality Citations
In 2018, over 645 dog bite-related fatality news reports were collected from local, regional and national news sources, as well as audio dispatch logs, photographs and certain police reports.1

2017 U.S. Dog Bite Fatality Citations
In 2017, over 900 dog bite-related fatality news reports were collected from local, regional and national news sources, as well as audio dispatch logs, photographs and certain police reports.

2016 U.S. Dog Bite Fatality Citations
In 2016, over 800 dog bite-related fatality news reports were collected from local, regional and national news sources, in addition to photographs, screen captures and certain police reports.

2015 U.S. Dog Bite Fatality Citations
In 2015, nearly 700 dog bite-related fatality news reports were collected from local, regional and national news sources, in addition to photographs, screen captures and certain police reports.

2014 U.S. Dog Bite Fatality Citations
In 2014, over 750 dog bite-related fatality news reports were collected from local, regional and national news sources, in addition to photographs, screen captures and social media content.

2013 U.S. Dog Bite Fatality Citations
In 2013, over 560 dog bite-related fatality news reports were collected from local, regional and national news sources, in addition to photographs, screen captures and certain police reports.

2012 U.S. Dog Bite Fatality Citations
In 2012, over 445 dog bite-related fatality news reports were collected from local, regional and national news sources, in addition to photographs, screen captures and certain police reports.

2011 U.S. Dog Bite Fatality Citations
In 2011, over 270 dog bite-related fatality news reports were collected from local, regional and national news sources, in addition to photographs, screen captures and video screen captures.

2010 U.S. Dog Bite Fatality Citations
In 2010, over 250 dog bite-related fatality news reports were collected from local, regional and national news sources, in addition to photographs, screen captures and video screen captures.

2009 U.S. Dog Bite Fatality Citations
In 2009, over 250 dog bite-related fatality news reports were collected from local, regional and national print and television news sources, as well as photographs and video screen captures.

2008 U.S. Dog Bite Fatality Citations
In 2008, over 140 dog bite-related fatality news reports were collected from local, regional and national print and television news sources, as well as photographs and video screen captures.

2007 U.S. Dog Bite Fatality Citations
In 2007, over 225 dog bite-related fatality news reports were collected from local, regional and national print and television news sources, as well as photographs and video screen captures.

2006 U.S. Dog Bite Fatality Citations
In 2006, over 165 dog bite-related fatality news reports were collected from local, regional and national print and television news sources, as well as photographs and video screen captures.

2005 U.S. Dog Bite Fatality Citations
In 2005, over 230 dog bite-related fatality news reports were collected from local, regional and national print and television news sources, as well as photographs and video screen captures.

Citations
  1. The lower rate of news reports in 2018 may be due to the lower rate of criminal charges filed. Only 6% of fatal dog maulings in 2018 resulted in charges, down from the 13-year average of 21%.