Map of where England's most horrific dog attacks happen – as savage maulings double
dailystar.co.ukRSPCA dog welfare expert Dr Sam Gaines said: "It's really worrying to see the increase in dog bites in the last 20 years but, sadly, it doesn't surprise us. "We fear that these incidents could continue to rise following the boom in dog ownership during lockdown, coupled with a generation of dogs who missed out on vital training and socialisation due to lockdown restrictions, and due to a general lack of understanding around dog behaviour and why dogs bite."If the North West and North East are at one end of the scale, five London boroughs and the Isle of Wight are at the other as none tally as many as four dog attacks annually.
In 1998 for every 100,000 people in England, there were only six people complaining to medics of injuries from a dog. Ever since then there has been a gradual increase to the point that by 2019 that figure had hit 15.
For Child Safety Week the RSPCA has helped create a guide for parents to reduce risks of a dog attack which includes never leaving kids alone with a dog, getting to know their pet and remember any dog can bite.
Dr Sam Gaines wants to see a reform to the way dogs are policed which includes scrapping targeting so-called dangerous breeds. For more shocking stories from the Daily Star, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters hereShe said: "We want to see an end to breed specific legislation which labels certain types of dogs as dangerous based on their appearance. "We believe new measures are urgently needed which focus on preventing incidents, allow for early interventions, are based on scientific evidence and are proportionate.
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