Missouri ranked 14th in U.S. for dog bites

New numbers were released Wednesday showing dog attacks are not decreasing in the United States, even though fewer people have dogs.

ABC 17 News obtained the report from State Farm Insurance ranking Missouri 14th in the nation for dog bites.

That’s the highest ranking the state has ever had.

The agency handled 88 claims in the state last year, which cost $2 million.

One agent said it’s important to remember you’re the one paying if it’s your dog, but she also said most policies can be adjusted.

“On your homeowner’s policy or renter’s policy it’s paid on the liability so you need to make sure the coverages are adequate so sitting down with your agent and reviewing those coverages every 18 to 24 months is what we recommend to make sure you’re properly covered in case something like that were to happen,” said Stephanie Wilmsmeyer, a State Farm agent.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, dog bites are the 9th leading cause of non-deadly injuries in children between the ages of 5 and 9.

More than 60% of the bites are on the head and neck.

Overall, there are 4.5 million victims per year.