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Delta's new "pit bull dog" ban will come into effect on July 10.
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A recent study from the state of Ohio found that mixed breed dogs and pit bulls were causing the worst dog bites, but members of a pit bull rescue group local community believe that this study lacks additional data.

Researchers at Ohio State University used data that included bite risk, severity, and frequency of bites to create a "risk of possession" chart for potential dog owners. At the top of the table are breed dogs and pit bulls.

Katy Blanton, vice president of Cincinnati Pit Crew, said the study lacked key data. His biggest concern was that the study only deals with limited data on bites, particularly the fact that dog bite data comes only from emergency rooms. In addition to this, the study only deals with face bites.

OSU researchers have created a "Risk of Possession" chart for potential dog owners. At the top of the list are pit bulls and mixed breed dogs. At least one backup group said that data was missing in the study. (Photo: Getty Images)

"I have the impression that it's misleading," Blanton said. "You completely ignore dog bites that do not go to emergencies."

More: When is a biting dog "dangerous"? The highest court in Ohio to rule in the Prince Bane case on the pit bull

In 2017, nearly 350,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries caused by dogs. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 10,600 of these people were children aged two years or younger.

Researchers at the OSU Wexner Medical Center have studied the relationship between dog breed and the risk of bite and injury. The study, published in a pediatric journal, aimed to determine the "relative risk and severity of dog bites by the face, by race".

Researchers in the state of Ohio said the breed was unknown in about 60% of dog bite cases.

For example, researchers in the state of Ohio examined "beyond the race" to examine the physical characteristics of dogs that pose a more serious threat. They hope potential dog owners will be able to use this data to determine which breed to own.

"As we were often unaware of what type of dog was involved in these incidents, we looked at aspects such as weight and shape of the head," said Dr. Garth Essig, otolaryngologist at the Wexner Medical Center. OSU and lead author of the study. An otolaryngologist is a specialist trained in the medical treatment and surgery of ear, nose and throat problems.

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One study found that potential adopters are more likely to want a pit bull when the dog is not labeled as his race.

The study examined the breed, the size and structure of the head and examined 15 years of emergency visits for face dog bites in two emergency departments and more than 45 years of data from different dog bite studies.

They found that pit bull injuries were the most frequent and severe, followed by purebred dogs and German shepherds.

When the study examined the physical characteristics, the experts found that dogs over 66 kg and those whose heads were more square and wider than long, like those of a chow-chow or d & # 39; A pug, were more likely to bite and cause serious damage.

"We wanted to provide families with data to help them determine the risk to their children and inform them about the types of dogs that are doing well in households with children," Essig said.

Blanton, along with Cincinnati Pit Crew, said it was difficult to collect data on dog bites because many people would not end up in the emergency rooms.

More: This obituary for a dog from northern Kentucky gives all the sensations

"You eliminate half of the races that are potentially biting," said Blanton. "The damage is different depending on the size.What I say to that, it's duh.That seems to be common sense."

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Blanton said that she felt that the study was based on limited data. Yet the researchers nevertheless drew conclusions and "created more fear for no reason".

Pit bulls and other intimidating breeds are already stigmatized, she said.

"With pit bulls, I think you're dealing with a smart, powerful and loyal dog, and if you raise the dog to socialize appropriately, treat him as a member of your family, you'll be rewarded with a wonderful pet and family member, "Blanton said.

She said with all dogs that it's important to raise them well and manage them.

"They are just a dog," said Blanton. "A pit bull is just a dog, like any other dog, any dog ​​can bite at any time."

Read or share this story: https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2019/06/03/local-rescue-group-takes-issue-osu-bite-risk-study/3765172002/