Dog Bite Claims Fall, Except For Mail Carriers

Dog owners' new policy: Bite back

John, USA TODAY 6:53 p.m. EDT May 16, 2013 Dog bite claims were down by 2.1% in 2012 from 2011, State Farm reports (Photo: Thinkstock) Dog bite claims were down by 2.1% in 2012 from 2011, State Farm reports The U.S. Postal Service reported 5,879 bites last year, 274 more than in 2011 California is the top state in claims SHARE 111 CONNECT 38 TWEET 4 COMMENTEMAILMORE Last year, dogs were slightly less bitey, but they made an exception for mail carriers. Who's a good dog? The ones responsible for the 2.1% decrease in insurance claims for dog bites in 2012 are good dogs, says a report released Wednesday by State Farm, which covers dog bites under renters and homeowners insurance policies. But the insurer still cited 3,670 dog bite claims, costing an average of $29,522 for everything from stitches and shots to lawsuits and reconstructive surgery. Fido's lenience was not extended to the U.S. Postal Service, which reported 5,879 bites and attacks last year, 274 more than in 2011.
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Dog bites can leave a parting shot

Searcy said they've filed a report with police but since her son didn't get much information other than a description of a tan, possible Labrador mix with "zebra stripes" he's had to get rabies shots as a precautionary measure. "We want to find the woman to find out if the dog is up-to-date on its shots," Searcy said, adding that so far, her son has had two rabies shots, with three more to follow if they don't find the woman. "The doctor said rabies are rare, but if you get it, it's fatal. We just don't want to have to worry about anything." Chris McGinnis, director of the Muscatine Humane Society, said seeking medical attention was the correct thing to do because, "even if it's a minor bite, it does require medical attention." McGinnis offered advice to those who do suffer a dog bite: get a good look at the dog for any identifiable marks to better help animal control. Steve McGivern, the animal control officer for Muscatine, agreed, saying that seeking medical attention was the correct thing to do. If a report is filed, McGivern saidthat if the owner can be identified, he'll contact the person, investigate what happened and look into the animal's medical history.
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Good Dogs Do Bite: Training Advice from the *Real* Dog Whisperer

Whenever a cat or dog gets rabies, there are always people exposed to the animal, and individuals must have a series of preventive shots so that they do not get rabies, according to Susan Weinstein, DVM, state public health veterinarian. This is very expensive and time consuming. In Arkansas, rabies occurs in the wild in skunks and bats. Rabies is a virus that attacks the brain and spinal cord and is a fatal disease. It is most often seen in animals such as skunks, bats and foxes. Cats, dogs, ferrets and livestock can also develop rabies, especially if they are not vaccinated. In 2012, Arkansas had 131 rabies positive animals 101 skunks, 22 bats, three cows, three dogs, one horse and one cat. The rabid cat in 2012 also was from dog bite lawyer Conway.
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Rabid dog bites Conway resident; Stray dog lived in backyard

The reason: Bukarus, their 12-year-old Rottweiler. Some insurers refuse to cover certain dog breeds, including Rottweilers and pit bulls. By Bob Riha, Jr., USA TODAY Bukarus has never bitten anyone, but if he did, the Craanens' insurance policy typically would cover medical costs and claims for damages by the victim. Hit by increased costs from such claims, some insurance companies are refusing to sell or renew policies to homeowners like the Craanens who own Rottweilers, pit bulls, Doberman Pinschers, Siberian huskies and certain other breeds. The trend is prompting dog owners to fight back and demand an end to what they call "canine profiling." "We feel we are being discriminated against," says Chris Craanen, who scrambled and found a new policy.
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Dogs Put $489M Bite on Home Insurance Industry

Children are easy to injure, she notes. They tend to do "surprising things." And dogs, she noteseven the nicest and most loving onesdo not always respond well to surprises. Somebody pulls your tail while you're asleep? You bite. The Insurance Information Institute says the most expensive claims are ones involving young children disfigured by a bite: Your neighbor's child comes over to your house to play, is bitten, and needs reconstructive surgery.
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ID: You have a broad spectrum of trainers. You have some brilliant ones and some real dunces. When interviewing a trainer I would start by going to the website. Again, common sense prevails. Are they using methods that seem okay with you? If you like what you see, call them up and see what theyre trying to teach.
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