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Cane Corso attack

Two fatal cases

Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology volume 2, pages 137–141 (2006)Cite this article

Abstract

It is estimated that annually between 1 and 4 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States. The vast majority of dog bites produce minor injuries, but serious sequelae, and even death, may occur. Annual mortality rates from dog attacks are reported at 7.2 cases per 100 million inhabitants each year. Of these fatalities, 69,8% involved a pet. Although dog bite-related injuries to humans appear to be a breed-specific problem (Pit Bulls and Rottweilers), other breeds also may bite and cause fatalities at high rates. Here we present the case of a couple slaughtered by their own three Cane Corso, an Italian breed of Molossoid dog. Dog bite-related injuries represent a public health problem. Some jurisdictions have adopted breed-specific restrictions in order to prevent such dog attacks, focusing the attention only on these certain breeds.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy

    Pietrantonio Ricci & Fernando Panarese

  2. Department of Forensic Pathology, University of Foggia, Ospedali Riuniti Viale L. Pinto, no 1, 71100, Foggia, Italy

    Sabina Di Donato & Emanuela Turillazzi

Authors
  1. Sabina Di Donato
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  2. Pietrantonio Ricci
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  3. Fernando Panarese
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  4. Emanuela Turillazzi
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Correspondence to Emanuela Turillazzi.

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Di Donato, S., Ricci, P., Panarese, F. et al. Cane Corso attack. Forens Sci Med Pathol 2, 137–141 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1385/FSMP:2:2:137

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Key Words

  • Forensic pathology
  • dog bite-related fatalities
  • dog pack attack
  • human predation
  • Cane corso