Dog attacks hit record high as hospital admissions rise 6 per cent, NHS figures reveal

DOG attacks have hit a high, NHS figures show — with hospital admissions rising six per cent last year to 9,336.

It comes as MPs call for a ban on the American Bully XL breed blamed for recent fatal attacks, with one of the victims a year old.

Bella-Rae Birch, of St Helens, Merseyside, was fatally mauled by the family pet a week after her dad bought it.

NHS Digital data shows the number of attacks have almost doubled from 4,699 since 2007/08.

The following year, 2019/20 saw 8,933 recorded cases.

Admissions then dropped to 7,424 during Covid lockdowns in 2020/21 but they rose again to 2021/22 to 8,819 before hitting a record high of 9,366 between 2022/23.

Of those cases 3,743 victims required reconstructive surgery, and the majority of those undergoing surgery were children.

Skin consultant Vanessa Jane Davies said: “I have seen a significant rise in referrals for children and adults who have been bitten or struck by a dog.

“I treat men and women on a monthly basis for dog attacks, however, it’s often the young children who are at the highest risk of dog attack injuries and they are particularly vulnerable to bites to the face and neck.

“Every case is different, but typically the injuries are permanent and potentially life changing which requires long term care both medically and psychologically, often resulting in a fear of dogs, losing confidence to be out.”

The RSPCA advises anyone who is concerned about their dog’s behaviour to speak to their vet and a clinical animal behaviourist for advice.