Over the past 44 years (1965 – present) there have been five (5) fatal dog attacks in the South Dakota, an average of one (1) fatality every eight (8) years.
A different breed/type of dog was identified in each of the fatalities .
All the dogs involved were intact (not spayed or neutered).
The victims were 1 adult and 4 children.
Two of the children were killed when they approached unfamiliar, chained dogs.
The last fatality in South Dakota occurred in 1997, twelve years ago. A 5-year-old girl was killed when she tried to hug a chained dog.
In spite of the negligence of some dog owners, dogs still pose an incredibly low risk for causing a fatality in South Dakota:
South Dakota: Recognized Risks Year 2005 Tobacco-related fatalities 1,100 Total (alcohol & non) traffic deaths 186 Alcohol-related traffic fatalities 81 ATV-related fatalities 6 Persons drowned in tub or swimming pool 1 Bicycle-related fatalities 1 Child hyperthermia death (in hot car) 1 Persons killed by dogs 0
According the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
In 2005, four (4) South Dakota children died as a result of maltreatment (abuse, neglect).
In a single year, 2005, the same number of South Dakota children died from maltreatment as were killed by dogs in the state over the past 44 years.
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Fact is, people in South Dakota routinely accept the greater risks associated with ATVs, bicycles and swimming pools than any that are associated with companion animals.
National Canine Research Council
Wow, 5 fatalities in 40 years. Hardly seems like an issue.