A survey of adult victims of dog bites in New Zealand.

AIM: To describe the circumstances of dog bites to adults in New Zealand, in order to better understand factors associated with these bites.

METHODS

A questionnaire was sent to 1,800 adults aged > or =16 years who had made claims to the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) in 2002 as a result of dog bites.

RESULTS

Five hundred and thirty-five questionnaires were returned; 50% of respondents were male, and 30% of bites were reported to local authorities. Most injuries were to the legs or hand. More people were bitten by male dogs than female dogs. A disproportionate number of bites took place in rural areas, but the most common locations for attacks were streets/walkways, and the victim's home. Protection of territory, accidental bites, fear, and pain were considered to be the most common reasons for dogs to bite.

CONCLUSION

Many victims were bitten in situations that could have been avoided.