Citation

Unshelm J, Rehm N, Heidenberger E. Dtsch. Tierarztl. Wochenschr. 1993; 100(10): 383-389.

Vernacular Title

Zum Problem der Gefahrlichkeit von Hunden; eine Untersuchung von Vorfallen mit

Affiliation

Institut für Tierhygiene, Verhaltenskunde und Tierschutz, Tierärztlichen Fakultät, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1993, Verlag M and H Schaper)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8261904

Abstract

Incidents with dogs present a public problem. In order to specify this, all recorded cases of dog bites in the city of Munich from 1986-1991 (n = 284) were registered. The range of injury of men and animal, the influence of breed, age and sex of the dog on the incident, the behaviour of the owner in the situation and the location were inquired. 207 people have been lightly wounded. 136 dogs have been injured. The most incidents occurred with German Shepherds, mixed breeds of German Shepherds, Boxers, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes and Bull terriers. Almost one third of the dogs have been involved in cases of recurrence. There has been a distinct influence of the owner on the behaviour of the dogs. The reaction of the owner has got significant influence of the kind, frequency and seriousness of the accident. The spectrum reaches from passive watching of the incidence to encouraging the dog to bite. Most owners did not absolve any kind of educational program with their dog. More than 50% of the dog owners were judged incompetent to lead their dog in an expert opinion and two third of the owners considered themselves unsuitable to lead a dog. Almost 90% of the dogs have not been on a leash. Most of the incidents took place in public places and only 9% happened in parks. A catalogue of possible measures to avoid such incidents will be presented.

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