Many children's lack of judgment and ignorance about how to behave around a dog and their inability to fend off an attack can add to the risk. It is very important that parents closely supervise children when around dogs. You can teach children how to reduce their chances of being bitten by dogs. Overall, the number of bites reported between Jan. 1 and June 30 was 536, or 13 percent more than the same period in 2000. There is no rhyme or reason for the increase, said Officer Tina Holder, who handles bite cases for Lee County Animal Services.
Dogs bite people riding bites.
A national organization that advocates responsible dog ownership is calling on Pontiac officials to repeal the city's controversial pit bull ordinance in favor of a standard that addresses dangerous dogs in general. A report from the Seattle-based Washington Animal Foundation states dog bite statistics from Pontiac show pit bulls shouldn't be singled out for extra regulation. The group suggests the city adopt a dangerous dog law that allows courts to take dogs away from irresponsible owners. By far, the majority of the victims are children. Nineteen of those victims were children under twelve years of age.