Dog bites have increased since the pandemic

As a Los Angeles personal injury and dog bite lawyer, I try to stay informed about Los Angeles dog bites and dog bite issues.

To that end, the Los Angeles Times recently published a thorough report discussing dog bites in California and nationally.

Dog bites have increased in California since COVID. In 2022, there were roughly 48,596 emergency room visits in California stemming from dog bites. This is a 12% increase from 2021, and a 70% increase since 2005, according to the CDC.

Can you guess which dog breed was most responsible for these dog bites? Yep. Pit bulls.

Just last week a man was mauled to death by his own pit bulls in Carson. Pit bull advocates deny that pit bulls are more dangerous. They claim that pit bulls are one of the most popular dog breed, so this explains the higher statistic of pit bull dog bites.

Others strongly disagree. The Los Angeles Times report quotes experts who argue that every study comes up with the same conclusion: pit bulls are the breed that do the most damage.

In California, children and young adults are the most common dog bite victims. Across the country, 96 people were killed by dogs in 2022.

The LA Times study claims that the pandemic is to blame for this uptick in dog bites. Many of the offending dogs were adopted as puppies during COVID. As a result of stay-at-home orders, these dogs lost out on the most important socializing that puppies are supposed to experience. Puppies learn acceptable behaviors between the first 3 to 16 weeks of life.

You can read the L.A. Times report here.

Whatever the case may be, we know that Los Angeles dog bites are increasing. California already leads the nation in mail carriers being bitten by dogs.

If you or someone you know was bit by a Los Angeles dog, it’s important to discuss the case with a knowledgeable dog bite lawyer.

Whether the dog bite victim is in the San Fernando Valley, Orange County, or Los Angeles, my office has experience handling Los Angeles dog bites.

Feel free to reach out. I’m ready to assist, 24/6.