FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – California places at the top of the list of states putting in claims for dog-related injuries, according to State Farm Insurance.
There 78 million dogs in U.U. homes and each year 4.5 million people are bitten or injured by dogs.
There were 409 claims reported to State Farm Insurance in 2018 in California, followed by Illinois, then Ohio, Texas and Pennsylvania.
Despite the recent figures, the trend of dog bites is heading downwards.
In 2018, there was a decrease of 9% compared to the number of dog bite claims in 2017.
State Farm says it was a decrease of 7% in the amount paid out for insurance claims.
Top 10 States for State Farm Dog Bite Claims in 2018
State Number of claims Claims paid
1. California 409 $18.6 million
2. Illinois 288 $10.3 million
3. Ohio 177 $4.8 million
4. Texas 168 $5.8 million
5. Pennsylvania 161 $5.6 million
6. Michigan 155 $5.4 million
7. Georgia 117 $3.8 million
8. Indiana 109 $4.0 million
9. New York 107 $7.9 million
10. Minnesota 107 $3.0 million
State Farm Insurance Spokesperson Sevag Sarkissian warns never think that any dog is safe.
“Just because you’ve had a positive interaction with a dog,before doesn’t mean its guaranteed to happen that way again. So, remain alert to the risks in dogs even though you think you may know,” says Sarkissian.
This is National Dog Bite Prevention Week, so a reminder, even the gentlest dog can bite if they’re in pain, feel threatened, or are competing for resources such as food or space.
Tips on being a responsible dog owner
• NEVER leave a baby or small child alone with a dog, even if it is a family pet. Children are often bitten by dogs in their own household.
• Make sure your pet is socialized so it feels at ease around people and other animals.
• Walk and exercise your dog on a leash to keep it healthy and provide mental stimulation.
• Regular veterinary visits are essential to regulating the health of your dog. A sick or injured dog is more likely to bite.
• Be alert. If someone approaches you and your dog, caution them to wait before petting the dog. Give your pet time to be comfortable with the stranger.
• Understand and respond to changes in your dogs’ body language. Look at the eyes, ears, tail, and posture to know when your dog may be happy, fearful, or angry.
Click to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
