Are Pit Bulls Dangerous?

Acknowledging a Difficult and Controversial Topic

“Are pit bulls dangerous?” is at the center of fierce public debates after many high-profile dog attacks. Many pit bulls can be well-behaved pets with proper socialization, training, and responsible ownership. However, pit bull attacks often result in more severe injuries, and they have been involved in more fatal attacks than any other breed.

This page presents data on pit bull-related dog bite incidents from trusted sources and explains the legal obligations of every Illinois dog owner, regardless of whether they own a pit bull or any other dog breed.

Examining Dog Bite Statistics by Breed

Around 4.5 million people bitten by a dog in the US annually, and over 50% of victims are children. There are approximately 43 fatal dog attacks annually.

According to the American Animal Hospital Association, as quoted in Forbes magazine, pit bulls were responsible for 22.5% of all dog bites across multiple studies. Mixed-breed dogs were responsible for 21.2% of attacks, and German Shepherds were involved in 17.8% of attacks.

The American Veterinary Medical Association collected data on breeds cited in databases for serious injuries. Their list included pit bulls, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, Chow Chows, and Labrador Retrievers. However, pit bull attacks far outweigh those from any other breed, despite being only a small percentage of the population.

It must be noted that the term “pit bull” is an umbrella term for various breeds, including American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and American Bullies. However, data on pit bull attacks does not include these subtypes, making it difficult to determine which is the most dangerous dog breed.

National Dog Bite Fatalities and Pit Bulls

The Centers for Disease Control stopped gathering breed-related data on fatal dog attacks in 1998, making it difficult to assess the modern scope of the issue. However, data collected from 1979 to 1998 found that pit bulls were responsible for 28% of all fatal attacks.

The dog population has increased significantly in the decades since the CDC stopped collecting breed-specific data, making it difficult to determine the number of pit bulls involved in human fatalities.

What Factors Contribute to the Severity of Pit Bull Dog Bite Injuries?

While many dogs bite, few have the intimidating power and strength of a pit bull. It is their unique physiology and behavioral patterns that make them more likely to cause devastating damage to victims.

• Jaw Strength: Contrary to popular myth, pit bulls do not have locking jaws. Their jaw musculature is similar to other dogs with a brachycephalic (short-muzzled) face. However, they do have a very strong bite force of around 235 pounds per square inch. While this is lower than that of some other dogs, it can still cause devastating damage.
• Muscular Build: The UKC breed standard for the American Pit Bull Terrier emphasizes their muscularity and tenacity. Some of the larger pit bull breeds, such as the American Bully, can weigh up to 120 pounds, making them heavier than many adults.
• Biting Style: Pit bull breeds originated from the Old English Bulldog for bull baiting and, later, dog fighting. They often exhibit aggressive tendencies toward other dogs due to this heritage. In dogfighting, the combatants are encouraged to hold on and shake their victim rather than release. This tenacity can lead to severe tissue damage if they attack a human.

The Role of the Dog Owner

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and other reputable organizations all agree: a dog’s behavior depends primarily on whether the individual dog owner provides proper training, socialization, and health care.

Any dog, regardless of breed, can be a loving family pet with responsible ownership. Just like people, every dog has its own unique personality and behavior, which must be taken into account when protecting the public.

How Irresponsible Ownership Creates Aggressive Dogs

Due to the size and strength of this breed, pit bull owners must exercise special care to protect others. Unfortunately, many owners fail to properly train their animals, which can lead to aggressive behavior. These are some of the most common ways that irresponsible ownership can result in pit bull attacks.

• Lack of Training: Proper training is key for any dog, including a pit bull. Good training includes obedience training, socialization, and understanding the individual dog’s behavior to avoid unnecessary stress.
• Neglect: Like other dogs, pit bulls require medical care, adequate nutrition, mental stimulation, and a safe environment. Pit bull owners may leave their pets chained out for hours, resulting in boredom and aggression.
• Abuse and Dogfighting: Pit bulls have been associated with criminal activity, including dogfighting. These dogs are encouraged to exhibit aggressive behavior, both toward dogs and people, often by hitting or taunting the animal.

Owner Responsibility is Key, Not the Breed

Pit bull owners are required to practice responsible ownership, just like other owners. Under the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/), dog owners are strictly liable for any injuries that their animals may cause, whether that is from a bite or knocking a person down.

Owners can be held accountable even when they are not physically present. In Scifo v. Haeger, a husband took the family dog for a walk, and it attacked a passerby. The court ruled that both the husband and wife could be liable, even though the wife was not at the scene.

In Chicago, pit bull owners must comply with leash laws (7-12-030) and may not allow their dog to attack or injure another animal or person (7-12-050).

If they fail to comply, their dog may be deemed a dangerous animal, subject to impoundment and quarantine (7-12-020 & 7-12-030). They may face significant penalties or even criminal charges for failure to comply (7-12-150).

What is Breed Specific Legislation (BSL)?

Breed-specific legislation is local ordinances or statewide laws that ban specific breeds, including pit bulls, Rottweilers, and others that have been associated with dog attacks.

Research has demonstrated that breed-specific legislation does not make people safer, nor does it prevent fatal dog attacks.

Accordingly, the Illinois Animal Control Act prohibits municipalities from passing ordinances that target certain breeds (510 ILCS 5/). Additionally, insurance companies may not deny coverage based on breed, though they can drop coverage for an aggressive animal (Public Act 103-0011).

Common Injuries in Attacks by Powerful Dog Breeds

Pit bull attacks can result in devastating injuries due to their size, strength, and tenacity. Common injuries that our Super Lawyers-rated attorneys see in these dog attacks include:

• Deep tissue trauma
• Nerve damage
• Broken bones
• Facial trauma and disfigurement
• Permanent scarring
• Psychological trauma

What Makes Us The Best Lawyers for Serious Dog Bite Cases in Illinois?

As distinguished members of America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators, our attorneys have extensive experience in catastrophic injury and wrongful death lawsuits resulting from dog attacks. We will thoroughly investigate your claim and utilize relevant case law to advocate for the maximum compensation.

Our Settlements for Dog Attacks in Illinois

Our Million Dollar Advocates have a proven track record of securing substantial settlements that meet a victim’s lifetime needs for care and recovery. These are some of the many settlements we have received that are well above the state average.

• $1,200,000: Ravenswood pit bull attack on a toddler, resulting in broken facial bones
• $700,000: Pit bull attack in Grayslake resulting in permanent facial scarring
• $375,000: Pit bull bite to a three-year-old in West Chicago, resulting in facial scarring

Critical Steps to Take After Any Dog Attack

In Illinois, the personal injury statute of limitations is two years, meaning you must act quickly (735 ILCS 5/13-202). Take these steps as soon as possible to protect your health and legal rights.

• Seek immediate medical treatment.
• Report the bite to Animal Control.
• Document the injuries with photos and videos.
• Do not talk to the insurance company without your attorney.
• Document all your expenses, including medical bills and lost wages.
• Contact our attorneys for experienced counsel.

Illinois FAQs About Pit Bulls and Dangerous Dogs

Does the Dog’s Breed Affect the Value of My Dog Bite Claim?

No, the breed does not affect the value of your dog bite claim. The severity of injuries and whether the attack was provoked are the primary determinants of your settlement.

Are Pit Bulls Banned in Chicago or Anywhere Else in Illinois?

No, the Illinois Animal Control Act prohibits breed bans (510 ILCS 5/).

What Should I Do if My Neighbor Has a Dog I Believe to Be Dangerous?

Document the animal’s behavior from a distance, such as capturing surveillance footage. Do not approach or antagonize the animal. Call your local Animal Control or non-emergency police line to request that they investigate.

Can I Sue if the Pit Bull That Bit Me Was a Rescue Dog?

Yes. The law will consider the pit bull’s behavior and whether the attack was provoked, not whether it came from a rescue or a breeder.

Contact Our Illinois Dog Bite Lawyers for a Free Consultation

If you were the victim of a pit bull attack, we can help you get justice. Our award-winning attorneys work on a contingency fee basis: no fees unless you win. Contact the best dog bite attorney in Chicago today for a free consultation with a compassionate attorney from Dog Bite Injury Lawyer.

Content reviewed by Chicago dog bite lawyer Jonathan Rosenfeld of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC, who hold dog owners accountable to secure compensation for injured victims and their families, and is a trial lawyer recognized by Super Lawyers, the American Association of Justice, and Million Dollar Advocates for serious crash cases across Illinois.