Dog Bite Statistics

Getting attacked by a dog is a scary and traumatic experience. While it’s easy to see dogs as friendly companions, the reality is that dog bites are a serious issue, and many dogs are dangerous.

Dog bites can range from small nips to full-on attacks, often requiring hospitalization. This is especially concerning for young children and the elderly, who may be more vulnerable to severe injuries or infections.

It’s important to be aware of the risks associated with dog bites. As more households adopt dogs, taking preventative measures to reduce the risk of dog bites becomes increasingly important. By understanding the statistics and facts surrounding dog bites, we can better equip ourselves to prevent potential attacks and take action when one occurs.

If a dog has bitten you or someone you know, or if you simply have questions about dog bites, our Montana personal injury law firm has compiled the most recent information for you.

Dog Bite Statistics in the United States

Dog bites are a serious public health issue in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year, and 800,000 of those bites need medical attention. Furthermore, nearly 1,000 U.S. citizens require emergency care treatment for serious dog bite injuries each day, and about 12,480 citizens are hospitalized due to dog bite injuries annually.

Dog bite fatalities are rare but tragic, and several studies have been conducted to understand the factors contributing to these incidents. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports that most fatal dog attacks involve unneutered male dogs and that children are more likely to be killed by dogs than adults. Sadly, 26 percent of all dog bite fatalities are children under the age of 2.

The AVMA also reports that dog bites are more likely to occur in the summer months and that children are more likely to be bitten on the head and neck than adults. Treatment for dog bites can be expensive, with the average cost of a dog bite-related hospital stay estimated at $18,200.

Dog Bites in Montana

1. Fatal Rottweiler Attack, Jefferson County (May 9, 2021) – Four-year-old Elliot Sherwin, under his grandparents’ care near Whitehall, was tragically killed by two family Rottweilers. The dogs, which had previously shown no aggression, mauled him at home. This devastating incident illustrates how even familiar pets can turn dangerous.

2. Billings Elderly Fatality (April 2022) – 84-year-old Melitta Hain was fatally bitten in Billings Heights on April 8 and passed away on April 16 due to complications from the attack.

3. Bozeman Canine Collision at Dog Park (Aug 2023) – At Gallatin County Regional Park in Bozeman, two off-leash dogs attacked a family’s toy Aussie named Junebug. Despite veterinary care, the dog succumbed to injuries and infection days later.

4. Recent Unreported Billings Bite (June 2025) – A young girl was hospitalized after a dog bite near Lake Elmo in Billing, underscoring that dog attacks remain a present-day concern.

Breeds Most Likely to Bite

An extensive analysis of current research on dog bites and severe injuries was conducted by the American Veterinary Medical Association, commonly known as AVMA. They found that no singular breed could be labeled the most dangerous. According to their research, more reliable factors include the actions of the owner, the dog’s training, sex, whether or not they have been neutered, their location (urban or rural), and ownership trends over time and in different areas.

For instance, the AVMA highlighted that pit bull-type dogs are often implicated in severe and fatal attacks. According to one study, pit bulls were responsible for 69% of dog bite-related deaths in 2019, despite making up only 8% of the total U.S. dog population. However, the reason behind this is likely not related to the breed itself. It is more probable that these dogs are kept in specific high-risk neighborhoods and are typically owned by individuals who might use them for dog fights or have a history of criminal or violent behavior.

Medical Consequences and Rabies Concerns

As summer approaches, state and local public health officials are urging Montanans to stay vigilant about the risk of rabies exposure. Warmer weather and increased outdoor activities in the spring and summer raise the likelihood of human encounters with wild animals.

Rabies is a deadly disease, but it can be prevented. The virus spreads through the saliva of infected warm-blooded animals, typically via bites. Fortunately, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), a series of injections given after a potential exposure, is highly effective, with a 100% success rate in preventing infection when administered promptly.

Preliminary data shows that in 2023, 238 people in Montana either received or were advised to receive PEP following possible exposure to rabies.

Montana recorded its first confirmed rabies case of 2024 on April 24, when a cow in Powder River County tested positive. The animal was likely infected by a rabid skunk or bat. While rabies in livestock is uncommon, a horse in Montana also tested positive in 2021. In 2023, the Montana Department of Livestock confirmed rabies in 25 animals submitted for testing.

When a person is bitten by a dog, cat, or ferret, the animal can usually be monitored for signs of rabies, often making PEP unnecessary. However, if the animal is untraceable or cannot be observed or tested, healthcare providers may recommend the post-exposure treatment as a precaution.

Cost of Dog Bite Claims in the United States

The cost of dog bite claims in the United States has seen a notable rise over the past three years. In 2022, there were 17,597 claims filed, with total insurance payouts reaching $1.136 billion. The average cost per claim that year was $64,555. In 2023, the number of claims increased by 8% to 19,062, though the average payout per claim dipped slightly to $58,545. By 2024, dog bite-related claims had surged to 22,658, a 19% increase from the previous year. Total payouts climbed to a staggering $1.6 billion, and the average cost per claim rose to $69,272, marking an 18% increase from 2023. 

For those without proper insurance to cover those costs of treatment, the costs fall to the victims of the dog bite to pay for their own medical bills.

Understanding Liability and Consequences

Strict liability laws in Montana hold dog owners accountable when their pet bites someone legally on public or private property, even without prior aggressive behavior.

If the victim was trespassing, liability typically does not apply. Montana enforces a three-year statute of limitations for dog bite claims.

Homeowners’ insurance usually covers dog bite claims, but coverage limits can be exceeded, and insurers often dispute payouts.

Contact Our Montana Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

If you or someone you love suffered an injury in a dog bite attack in Montana, you need an experienced dog bite injury lawyer on your side from the start. We know that dog bites can be severe and result in a lifetime of pain and suffering. Let Doubek, Pyfer & Storrar, PLLP, fight aggressively to get the compensation you need to pay for medical expenses, lost income, and more.

To learn more about your legal options, you can fill out a contact form on our website, and we can contact you, or you can call us now at 406-442-7830 and get your immediate questions answered.