INDIANA — A new study has identified Indiana as the eighth most dangerous state in the United States for fatal dog attacks. The analysis, which examined data from 2018 to 2023, found that Indiana had 11 fatal dog attack cases, resulting in a rate of 15.79 deaths per 10 million residents.
This ranking places Indiana as one of only two Midwestern states in the top eight, alongside Missouri, which ranked seventh. Oklahoma topped the list with the highest rate of fatal dog attacks.
Top 8 Most Dangerous US States for Dog Attacks:
| Rank | State | Total # of Fatal Dog Bites | Fatal Dog Bites per 10m |
| 1 | Oklahoma | 19 | 46.039 |
| 2 | Alabama | 14 | 26.935 |
| 3 | Louisiana | 11 | 23.875 |
| 4 | South Carolina | 12 | 21.545 |
| 5 | Arizona | 15 | 19.501 |
| 6 | Tennessee | 14 | 19.159 |
| 7 | Missouri | 10 | 15.916 |
| 8 | Indiana | 11 | 15.786 |
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs annually. Globally, an estimated 59,000 people die from rabies each year, with bites from rabid dogs accounting for the majority of these deaths.
The study, by personal injury law firm Steele Adams Hosman, also included advice for the public on preventing dog attacks and what to do if one occurs.
Tips for Preventing Dog Attacks
The firm provided several practical tips to prevent dog attacks:
- Recognize warning signs in dogs: Look for growling, raised hackles, stiff body posture, or direct staring. Children should be taught not to approach unfamiliar dogs and to “be a tree” — stand still and avoid eye contact — if confronted by an aggressive dog.
- Establish clear boundaries: Always get explicit permission from an owner before allowing children to interact with any dog. Even seemingly friendly dogs can become aggressive when stressed or protecting food or territory.
- Know your legal rights: Dog bite liability laws vary by state, but owners are generally held responsible for attacks, especially in cases of negligence.
- Take immediate action after a bite: Seek medical attention immediately, even for minor bites, due to the risk of infection. Document the incident with photos, gather witness information, and report it to authorities. Do not rely on a verbal assurance from the dog owner about the animal’s vaccination status.
