Charities call for change in dangerous dogs law as figures reveal 30 attacks per week in Yorkshire

An investigation by The Yorkshire Post found there were 1,596 incidents of people or assistance dogs being injured in Yorkshire and the Humber during 2016 – the equivalent of 30 every week.

It marked a 239 per cent increase over 2014 when a total of 470 were reported to police.

The RSPCA said the trend was in line with hospital admissions for dog bites which have continued to rise, despite the banning of certain breeds through the Dangerous Dogs Act in 1991.

NHS Digital figures show the number in England rose from 6,836 in 2013/14 to 7,673 in 2015/16, with the regional figure rising from 1,028 to 1,081.

Laura-Jane Muscroft, an education and community officer at Dogs Trust in Leeds, said the charity was “deeply concerned” by the rising number of attacks.

“Many of these bites are preventable, and we believe educating people about dog safety, as well as helping dog owners learn how to read the signs that their dog may be feeling uncomfortable or scared, is the first step to preventing such incidents,” she said. “In addition to educating the public, we also believe new measures are needed to place more responsibility on dog owners.”

The charity’s calls for the current legislation to be replaced were backed by the RSPCA.

Its dog welfare expert, Dr Samantha Gaines, said: “We would ultimately like to see the legislation repealed and replaced with something which acknowledges that all dogs are individual and are shaped by their breeding, training and life experiences, treating any incidents on a case-by-case basis.”

READ MORE: Ban on ‘dangerous’ breeds flawed, says animal welfare charity

Nationally Dogs Trust has received 142 calls in the past five months from worried parents who want to give up their dog because their child does not know how to interact with it safely.

This may be an indicator of the “rising public concern” surrounding dog attacks which Yorkshire’s largest police force said it had seen over the last few years.

It prompted West Yorkshire Police to appoint a full-time dog legislation officer and to host a dangerous dogs seminar in February for councils, charities and other bodies.

Sergeant Stewart Dunderdale, who works in the force’s dog unit, said: “We are aware of the impact a dog attack can have. This is not only the physical injuries, but the psychological impact on a person which can often last many years after the event.

“We will continue to work with our partners to safeguard the public and promote responsible dog ownership, and where necessary we will take enforcement action where an owner acts in an irresponsible or criminal manner.”

Other forces in the region share the belief that responsible ownership must be a focus.

Humberside Police saw a five-fold increase in reported attacks on people or assistance dogs, with the total rising from 60 in 2014 to 310 in 2016.

Among the victims was 12-year-old Taylor Dawson, who was bitten by a Staffordshire Bull Terrier on his way home from school in Bridlington.

His mother, Caroline Makin, said: “He has multiple scars and permanent nerve damage in parts of his arm. I wouldn’t say he was petrified of all dogs now but he’s very nervous and aware.”

She said she would never have wanted the dog to be put down, but thinks puppies should have to wear a muzzle in public until they are trained and assessed.

A spokesman for Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said the government recognised the “horrific consequences” of such attacks for victims and families.

“The Dangerous Dogs Act ensures tough prison sentences for owners who do not control their dogs, and gives police and local authorities power to intervene early and require owners to attend dog training classes or muzzle their dog in public,” he said.