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 19 July 2008 15:39 BST

Dog attacks up by 43% over last four years, claim Lib Dems

Wednesday, 27 Feb 2008 14:05
It is claimed dogs become more aggressive if not handled properly
The Liberal Democrats have claimed that the number of people being admitted to accident and emergency (A&E) as a result of dog attacks has risen by 43 per cent in the last four years.

Hospitalisation of children and young people has risen by a fifth, while 58 per cent more adults are being admitted to A&E due to attacks by dogs.

In London there has been a 119 per cent rise in hospitalisation of under-18s as a result of dog attacks, the Lib Dems claim.

Norman Lamb, the Liberal Democrat health spokesperson, called for a review of the Dangerous Dogs Act in a statement today.

"These are enormously disturbing figures," he said.

"There is a worrying trend in some areas of suing dangerous dogs as fashion accessories or, worse still, as weapons.

"Dogs often only become violent as a result of mistreatment by owners – or because of a failure to train them properly," Mr Lamb added.

"No-one knowingly puts their child in danger but it seems that the message is not getting through at present. With so many children apparently at risk, perhaps now is the time to review the flawed Dangerous Dogs Act."

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) claimed that the current Act relating to dangerous dogs encouraged owners to control their pets properly.

"We believe that these laws, whether applied individually or in combination, serve as a positive encouragement to the owners of all dogs to exercise safe control over their dogs," a Defra statement said.

"Incidences of dog attacks are a reminder of the responsibility on dog owners to ensure they can properly control their dogs at all time.

"We welcome the work being done by those animal welfare organisations that offer practical advice and help to those who are having difficulties with their dogs."

The Dangerous Dogs Act applies to any dog that is deemed dangerously out of control in public place or non-public places where they are not permitted to be.End of story


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