The number of savage dog attacks reported to police has soared by 46% in five years and experts warn the crisis will only get worse.
Last year, 12 people were fatally mauled and their horrific deaths are part of a terrifying trend.
The Sunday People analysed figures from 16 of the UK’s 45 police forces and found a worrying picture of how many dog owners have lost control of their pets since 2018.
Our investigation revealed that over the past five years:
■ There was a 73% increase in attacks in the West Midlands.
■ The most recorded incidents were in Essex, at 4,425.
■ In 80% of incidents in Gwent, Wales, victims did not know the dog.
Dog behaviour experts said more dangerous animals being bred in lockdown followed by a cost of living crisis made for a “perfect storm”.
Pamela Dempsey, who runs Impackt Behaviour, a centre for canine training, told the Sunday People: “I am saddened by the figures but not remotely surprised. I’m surprised they’re not higher.
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“I have seen an astronomical rise in dog attacks in my own dog behavioural clinics. I used to see dog bites maybe once a month – now it’s three or four times a week.
“I’d say this is just the tip of the iceberg and more attacks are yet to come.”
The Sunday People’s Freedom of Information request also discovered that in the past five years, there were 4,248 attacks in the West Midlands and 3,806 in Greater Manchester.
After West Midlands, the biggest percentage rises were in Gloucestershire, at 64%, and Wiltshire, at 60%.
The startling figures are reflected in the number of people needing hospital treatment for dog bites. NHS data showed there were about 30 admissions a day between April and November last year.
And at least five children have been killed by dogs in the past year – with a 26% rise in attacks since the pandemic began.
Pamela, who has worked as a dog behaviour expert for 20 years, said we are now seeing the true impact of a surge in dog ownership and lack of socialising in lockdown.
She said: “Dogs run parallel to humans. Our own social lives and mental health were hugely impacted over lockdown. Dogs have suffered in the same way.”
Jane Robinson, chair of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers UK, said dogs not properly socialised in lockdown have now reached adolescence and maturity, adding: “Despite trainers offering classes via Zoom, many dogs went without the type oftraining that taught them vital skills.
"In lockdown, we also saw some breeders breeding dogs who hadn’t had proper health checks being sold at exorbitant prices. These dogs now have health issues which impact behaviour.
"There are no quick fixes for changing behaviour – social media posts on TikTok or Instagram may make it look slick but do your research and make sure the ‘trainer’ you’re following is fully accredited with a respected training body.”
Former Merseyside Police dog handler Guy Richardson, 69, said the number of dogs bred to meet demand created by social media means there is now a “risk of police becoming overwhelmed”.
The spate of fatal dog attacks has renewed calls to ban breeds other than the four currently outlawed by the Dangerous Dogs Act – the Pit Bull Terrier, the Japanese Tosa, the Dogo Argentino and the Fila Brasileiro.
This includes the American Bully XL, the breed which fatally mauled Joanne Robinson, 43, at her home in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, in July. A Bully XL also killed schoolboy Jack Lis, 10, at his pal’s house in Caerphilly, South Wales, in 2021.
Savaged playing football
Giorgi Fulbirg-Taylor, 10, needed surgery on multiple bites to his arms and legs at half-term after a dog attacked him and his friend, 14.
Mum Kimberly Fulbirg, 34, said Giorgi was having a kick-about at a playing field in Bierley, Bradford, when the stocky terrier dog chased him.
It bit deep into his legs then locked onto his left arm, before three adults managed to prise its jaw open with a paint scraper.
Veterinary assistant Kimberly said: “There need to be tougher laws around dog ownership."
Loving dog bit mum's face
Emma Birch, 36, was attacked by her “lovable” family dog Hobo in November, leaving her with facial injuries.
Hobo, bought as a pup in the first lockdown, bit through her lip as she bent down, severing her nerves.
She euthanised the springer-lurcher cross over fears for her baby son.
Emma, of Consett, Co Durham, said: “It was completely out of character, he was such a loving, family dog."
Regional increases in dog attacks
West Midlands 73%
Gloucestershire 64%
Wiltshire 60%
Derbyshire 55%
Cumbria 54%
Gwent 47%
Greater Manchester 48%
Durham 46%
Warwickshire 39%
North Wales 38%
Nottinghamshire 31%
Essex 19%
