Horses Top List of Australia's Deadliest Animals, Surpassing Snakes and Sharks

A national study reveals that common domestic animals like horses, cattle, and dogs cause the majority of animal-related deaths in Australia, while iconic predators rank lower.

• Between 2001 and 2021, 713 animal-related deaths were recorded in Australia, with horses responsible for nearly a third of fatalities, primarily due to falls.
• Cattle ranked second, causing 92 deaths through trampling, crushing, or kicking incidents, often affecting older individuals and men.
• Dogs accounted for 82 deaths, with fatalities resulting from bites and injuries sustained during walks.
• Kangaroos caused 53 deaths, mostly from vehicle collisions on rural roads, making them the fourth deadliest animal in the country.
• Despite their dangerous reputations, snakes, bees, sharks, and crocodiles ranked lower, collectively causing fewer fatalities than domestic animals.

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