Abstract

Most studies on dog bite incidents are carried out in the United States where dog bite injuries are the childhood public health problem most frequently reported [1]. Injuries from dog bites may cause a number of physical problems (e.g. eyesight, breathing, nutrition) and psychological problems due to the physical scars resulting from such injuries [2]. Dog bites cost over $1 billion a year, with insurance companies paying out $250 million in liability claims as well as the cost of euthanasia of dogs that have been given up to shelters or abandoned because of biting accidents. In addition the emotional consequences of pet loss following such incidents should not be underestimated.