Downing Street says work is underway to try and reduce dog attacks following a spate of incidents in Greater Manchester and across the country. Our region has seen two tragedies caused by dog attacks in the space of a year, plus at least four other serious dog attacks.
A recent Manchester Evening News investigation uncovered how the Covid pandemic had a negative effect on the breeding, training and socialising of some dogs. Danielle Beck, a Clinical Animal Behaviourist in Greater Manchester, described it as 'a bit of a cocktail for what we are seeing now'.
Now, Downing Street says police, councils and animal welfare experts are teaming up to explore ways to reduce dog attacks and promote responsible ownership. “There have been some horrific cases and our thoughts and sympathies are with those that have been affected,” the Prime Minister’s official spokesman told PA.
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Daniel Twigg, described as a 'caring little boy' who 'loved animals,' was attacked by a dog outside a property on Carr Lane in Milnrow, Rochdale on May 15 last year. He was rushed to hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest, but sadly died a short time later.
A Cane Corso dog was destroyed at the scene of the tragedy and 10 other dogs were seized by police, of which none were banned breeds according to Daniel's inquest opening. A 48-year-old man was arrested under the Dangerous Dogs Act in connection with Daniel's death last year, before he was released on bail.
And on May 19 this year, 37-year-old father Jonathan Hogg suffered fatal injuries after he was attacked by a dog, believed to be an XL bully type. The dog, which police said was 'dangerously out of control', was later shot dead by armed police.
Jonathan was rushed to hospital with serious injuries from the scene on Westleigh Lane but died the following day. Police searched the house and seized a further 15 dogs, believed to be of the same breed.
Police are continuing to investigate both deaths. Following Jonathan's death this month, a man and a woman were both arrested in connection with the incident, and have since been bailed pending further investigation.
In the last five years, the number of dog attacks recorded by police in England and Wales has risen by more than a third, a BBC investigation revealed earlier this year. Last year, there were nearly 22,000 cases of out-of-control dogs causing injury compared to just over 16,000 in 2018.
The PM's spokesperson added: “We know dog attacks can lead to tragic consequences and that’s why we have a number of measures in place to protect people.” The spokesman pointed to the Dangerous Dogs Act and measures tackling unlicensed breeders and traders, and noted that conditions for licensed breeders and pet sellers are also being reviewed.
The spokesman added: “Finally, we’ve set up a working group with the police, local authority groups and animal welfare experts to look at ways to take forward measures on reducing dog attacks and to promote responsible dog ownership.”
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